Justin Valley
BSAC Graduate Student Researcher
October 7, 2008 | 12:30 to 01:30 | 521 Cory Hall, Hogan Room
The ability for the control and interrogation of single cells in a massively parallel fashion is of critical interest in applications ranging from basic science to pharmaceutical development. Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) is a promising candidate for achieving this goal. Through the use of low-intensity optical patterns, dielectrophoretic forces are dynamically created allowing for the simultaneous manipulation of individual cells and particles. In this talk, we will discuss recent advances in OET for biological platforms. We will start with a general overview of the underlying physics and design constraints required for the OET device. Next, we will discuss the development of an OET device capable of cell manipulation in highly conductive liquid. This is of vital importance when cells must remain in their native culture media during manipulation. Finally, we will demonstrate how the OET device can also be used for the injection of exogenous molecules (e.g. DNA, drugs, biomarkers) into the intracellular space through light-induced electroporation. This technique allows for the potential of a high throughput electroporation assay with single cell selectivity. (This seminar is open only to BSAC and Affiliates.)
Interested in nominating someone to speak at the BSAC Technology Seminar? We welcome you to submit a speaker nomination here