Abstract
Optical tweezers play an important role in biological applications. However, it is difficult for traditional optical tweezers based on objective lenses to work in a three-dimensional (3D) solid far away from the substrate. In this work, we develop a fiber based optical trapping system, namely inclined dual fiber optical tweezers, that can simultaneously apply and measure forces both in water and in a 3D polyacrylamide gel matrix. In addition, we demonstrate in situ, non-invasive characterization of local mechanical properties of polyacrylamide gel by measurements on an embedded bead. The fiber optical tweezers measurements agree well with those of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The inclined dual fiber optical tweezers provide a promising and versatile tool for cell mechanics study in 3D environments.
Highlights
Optical tweezers have become a versatile and flexible tool in manipulating micro or nanoscale particles and measuring nanometer scale displacements [1]
3.2.1 Experimental results measured by inclined dual fiber optical tweezers (DFOTs) in polyacrylamide gel
This bestows upon the inclined DFOTs the capability of in situ characterization of mechanical properties of solid media
Summary
Optical tweezers have become a versatile and flexible tool in manipulating micro or nanoscale particles and measuring nanometer scale displacements [1]. The limited working distances and the requirement of substrate transparency significantly hinder the application of conventional optical tweezers in emerging biophysical topics such as cellular mechanics in a three-dimensional (3D) environment Both cell generated forces [5] and external forces applied on cells [6] have been shown to regulate biological development such as proliferation [7] and differentiation [8]. Cellular force characterization has been carried out by deformation measurements of homogeneous two-dimensional (2D) cell substrates [9, 10] These techniques, called traction force microscopy, involve either micropost arrays [11] or embedded fluorescent nanoparticles [12] in the substrate. Physical contact with cells is required, and the resolution of lateral force measurements is limited
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
