Utilization of Optical Tweezer Nanotechnology in Membrane Interaction Studies

Arnith Eechampati,Chamaree De Silva

doi:10.3390/applnano3010004

Abstract

Optical tweezers have been a fixture of microscopic cell manipulation since the 1990s. Arthur Ashkin’s seminal work has led to the advancement of optical tweezers as an effective tool for assay development in the fields of physics and nanotechnology. As an advanced application of cell manipulation, optical tweezers have facilitated the study of a multitude of cellular and molecular interactions within the greater field of nanotechnology. In the three decades since the optical tweezers’ rise to prominence, different and versatile assays have emerged that further explore the biochemical pathways integral for cell proliferation and communication. The most critical organelle implicated in the communication and protection of single cells includes the plasma membrane. In the past three decades, novel assays have emerged which examine the plasma membrane’s role in cell-to-cell interaction and the specific protein components that serve integral membrane functions for the cell as a whole. To further understand the extent to which optical tweezers have evolved as a critical tool for cellular membrane assessment within the field of nanotechnology, the various novel assays, including pulling, indentation, and stretching assays, will be reviewed in the current research sector.

Highlights

Optical tweezers, more colloquially known as optical traps, are an exceptionally helpful tool for noninvasive and precise manipulation of microscopic items ranging in size from attached proteins to optical beads to Eukaryotic multicellular cells [1]
Optical tweezers were initially pioneered by Arthur Ashkin, whose seminal research into single-beam gradient traps laid the groundwork for advances over the past 30 years
Within the past three decades, advancements within the field of nanotechnology have been bolstered by the advent of optical tweezers and the basic Optical Trap assay

Summary

Introduction

More colloquially known as optical traps, are an exceptionally helpful tool for noninvasive and precise manipulation of microscopic items ranging in size from attached proteins to optical beads to Eukaryotic multicellular cells [1]. This manipulation is carried out by opposing forces applied to the object on different sides, holding the object static in space [1]. Nano 2022, 3 model for optical tweezers is made by an infrared laser shone onto a series of mirrors which reflect the laser into a series of focusing lenses. Feovlleorwsaintiglitaydoisfcoupsstiiocanlotnwteheezaedrvs,aancdeimsceunstsoiof mn eomf sbpraenciefiicntaesrsaacytisonutsitluizdi-ng opiteicsadlutewteoetzheervsewrsialltiblietyexopf oloprteicda.l tweezers, a discussion of specific assays utilizing optical tweezers will be explored

Holistic Membrane Interaction

Pulling Assays

Conclusions