Optical Manipulation of Cells

Abstract

Single-cell analysis can reveal cell behaviors that are unobservable by traditional bulk measurements. The analysis of single cells is made possible by technology that enables the addressing and manipulation of microscale objects. Optical manipulators are capable of micro- and nano-manipulation and are attractive for single-cell procedures, due to their inherent flexibility and adaptability. This chapter reviews major types of optical manipulation techniques. Optical gradient and scattering forces, used in optical tweezers, holographic optical tweezers, and other optical traps, are introduced first. Next, optically controlled electrokinetic forces are discussed, with a focus on optically induced dielectrophoresis. Optically induced thermal effects are also introduced, including thermophoresis and thermocapillary force. Specific examples of applications of these techniques for procedures related to single-cell analysis are also covered, including cell culturing, cell sorting, cell surgery, and measurements of single cells.