Trapping Of Beads Research Articles

Self-assembled photonic-plasmonic nanotweezers for directed self-assembly of hybrid nanostructures

We demonstrate a technique for assembling photonic-plasmonic nanotweezers by optically driving the adsorption of multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto a silicon waveguide. The nanotweezers are then used to trap and release individual polystyrene beads. Additionally, we demonstrate the ability to localize the deposition of metallic nanoparticles to the intersection points between multiple carbon nanotubes with the goal of forming more complex hybrid nanostructures.

Hg2+-trapping beads: Hg2+-specific recognition through thymine-Hg(II)-thymine base pairing.

Mercury pollution poses a severe threat to human health. To remove Hg(2+) from contaminated water, we synthesized Hg(2+)-trapping beads that include oligo-thymidine functionalities that can form thymine-Hg(II)-thymine base pairs on the solid support. The beads can selectively trap Hg(2+) even in the presence of other metal cations. More interestingly, Hg(2+)-trapping efficiency was higher in the presence of the co-existing cations. Thus, the developed Hg(2+)-trapping beads can capture Hg(2+) without affecting the mineral balance of water so much. The Hg(2+)-trapping beads presented here show promise for removing Hg(2+) from environmental water.

Scale-like cantilever cell traps

The micro-domain provides excellent conditions for performing biological experiments on small populations of cells and has given rise to the proliferation of so-called lab-on-a-chip devices. In order to fully utilize the benefits of cell assays, means of retaining cells at defined locations over time are required. Here, the creation of scale-like cantilevers, inspired by biomimetics, on chemically robust planar silicon nitride (Si3N4) film using focused ion beam machining is described. Using SEM and optical profilometry imaging, regular tilting of the cantilever with almost no warping of the cantilever was uncovered. With Monte Carlo simulation, it was found that the ion implantation in the film was limited to tens of nanometers, and SEM imaging confirmed that the ion beam milling edges were smooth. Finite element analysis showed that the scale-like cantilever was best at limiting stress concentration without difficulty in manufacture and having stresses more evenly distributed along the edge. It also had a major advantage in that the degree of deflection could be simply altered by changing the central angle. From a piling simulation conducted, it was found that a random delivery of simulated particles on to the scale-like obstacle should create a triangular collection. In the experimental trapping of polystyrene beads in suspension, the basic triangular piling structure was observed, but with extended tails and a fanning out around the obstacle. This was attributed to the aggregation tendency of polystyrene beads that acted on top of the piling behavior. In the experiment with bacterial cells, triangular pile up behind the cantilever was absent and the bacteria cells were able to slip inside the cantilever's opening despite the size of the bacteria being larger than the gap. Overall, the fabricated scale-like cantilever architectures offer a viable way to trap small populations of material in suspension.

Optical trapping of fluorescent beads

Optical tweezers have been successfully used to trap a variety of particles and biological specimens for numerous applications. Particles which are reflective as well as absorbing could be trapped using beams such as optical vortex. Here we give the details of our efforts to trap fluorescent microparticles. We have set up an optical trap for these fluorescent microparticles using holographic optical tweezers; we observe that it is not possible to trap fluorescent microparticles with a Gaussian laser beam or a hollow beam. However, as the fluorescence of these particles gets degraded they could be trapped in custom-made holographic tweezers. Moreover, when a fluorescent particle is brought in the trap containing stably trapped non-fluorescent particle, the stably trapped non-fluorescent particle also escapes from the trap.

Microchip Emitter for Solid-Phase Extraction–Gradient Elution–Mass Spectrometry

A microchip electrospray emitter with a magnetic bead trap has been designed for solid-phase extraction-gradient elution-mass spectrometry (SPE-GEMS). The goal of this method is the detection of analytes at low concentrations and it is here demonstrated using reverse phase coated magnetic beads (Mbs) for the preconcentration and detection of the peptides. The sample is passed through the chip, and the peptides are retained and enriched in the trap. After washing, the peptides are released sequentially by stepwise gradient elution and electrosprayed for mass spectrometry analysis. This approach allows effective sample desalting, enrichment, sequential elution, and MS detection without the introduction of an additional separation step after SPE. Efficient preconcentration of model peptides by SPE and sequential release and analysis of peptides by GEMS were demonstrated for diluted sample solutions within the range of 1 μM to 10 nM. Fortified human blood serum, protein digest and fractions collected after protein digest OFFGEL separation were analyzed by SPE-GEMS allowing the detection of low abundance peptides usually not observed by direct mass spectrometry analysis. A mathematical model for gradient elution is proposed.

Numerical analysis for transverse microbead trapping using 30 MHz focused ultrasound in ray acoustics regime

Numerical analysis for transverse microbead trapping using 30 MHz focused ultrasound in ray acoustics regime

Subwavelength optical trapping with a fiber-based surface plasmonic lens

We demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) optical trapping of subwavelength polystyrene beads and bacteria with a surface plasmonic lens fabricated on the endface of an optical fiber. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 3D trapping of subwavelength particles with single fiber optical tweezers. The optical power for achieving a stable 3D trap is smaller compared with conventional optical tweezers, indicating a stronger trap. Compared with surface plasmon tweezers, the trap enabled by our fiber tweezers is located ≈6 wavelengths away from the fiber endface, reducing thermal effects due to the metal absorption and preventing physical contact with the trapped objects.

Reversible Photoinduced Formation and Manipulation of a Two-Dimensional Closely Packed Assembly of Polystyrene Nanospheres on a Metallic Nanostructure

Nanostructure-enhanced optical trapping of polymer beads was investigated by means of fluorescence microspectroscopy. It was found that trapping behavior was quite sensitive to the particle size as well as excitation light intensity. We present a 2D closely packed assembly of polystyrene nanospheres on a gold nanostructure that is triggered by gap-mode localized surface plasmon (LSP) excitation. We discuss the trapping mechanism from the viewpoints of not only the radiation force but also of the thermal force (thermophoresis and thermal convection) induced by near-infrared laser irradiation. Thermophoresis worked as a repulsive force whose direction was opposed to that of the radiation force. On the other hand, thermal convection acted in favor of trapping: It supplied nanospheres toward the LSP excitation area. By suppressing the repulsive force, the assembled trapped nanospheres took the form of hexagonal shapes on a gold nanostructure. By optimizing irradiation parameters, we achieved 2D manipulation o...

Trapping and dynamic manipulation of polystyrene beads mimicking circulating tumor cells using targeted magnetic/photoacoustic contrast agents

Results on magnetically trapping and manipulating micro-scale beads circulating in a flow field mimicking metastatic cancer cells in human peripheral vessels are presented. Composite contrast agents combining magneto-sensitive nanospheres and highly optical absorptive gold nanorods were conjugated to micro-scale polystyrene beads. To efficiently trap the targeted objects in a fast stream, a dual magnet system consisting of two flat magnets to magnetize (polarize) the contrast agent and an array of cone magnets producing a sharp gradient field to trap the magnetized contrast agent was designed and constructed. A water-ink solution with an optical absorption coefficient of 10 cm⁻¹ was used to mimic the optical absorption of blood. Magnetomotive photoacoustic imaging helped visualize bead trapping, dynamic manipulation of trapped beads in a flow field, and the subtraction of stationary background signals insensitive to the magnetic field. The results show that trafficking micro-scale objects can be effectively trapped in a stream with a flow rate up to 12 ml/min and the background can be significantly (greater than 15 dB) suppressed. It makes the proposed method very promising for sensitive detection of rare circulating tumor cells within high flow vessels with a highly absorptive optical background.

Hydrodynamic trap-and-release of single particles using dual-function elastomeric valves: design, fabrication, and characterization

This paper introduces a simple method for trapping and releasing single particles, such as microbeads and living cells, using dual-function elastomeric valves. Our key technique is the utilization of the elastomeric valve as a dual-function removable trap instead of a fixed trap and a separate component for releasing trapped particles, thereby enabling a simple yet effective trap-and-release of particles. We designed, fabricated, and characterized a microfluidic-based device for trapping and releasing single beads by controlling elastomeric valves driven by pneumatic pressure and a fluid flow action. The fluid flow is controlled to ensure that beads flowing in a main stream enter into a branch channel. A bead is trapped by deflected elastomeric valves positioned at the entrance of a branch channel. The trapped bead is easily released by removing the applied pressure. The trapping and releasing of single beads of 21 μm in diameter were successfully performed under an optimized pressure and flow rate ratio. Moreover, we confirmed that continuous trapping and releasing of single beads by repeatedly switching elastomeric valves enables the collection of a controllable number of beads. Our simple method can be integrated into microfluidic systems that require single or multiple particle arrays for quantitative and high-throughput assays in applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

Surface tension-controlled three-dimensional water molds: theory and applications

This paper presents a lab-on-a-chip development method that applies the Young–Laplace equation to design the geometries of a patterned water droplet, and then using the droplet as a mold to fabricate three-dimensional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels. We demonstrate the method by designing and fabricating an on-chip funnel. We then subsequently trap beads of graded diameter in the tapered section of the funnel to make on-chip filters of controllable pore size. After packing the funnel with beads, the cutoff pore size of the fabricated filter agrees closely with our estimate. This approach provides a straightforward, low-cost, yet powerful way to design and fabricate microfluidic devices with 3D features.

Absolute calibration of optical tweezers including aberrations

We extend a previous proposal for absolute calibration of optical tweezers by including optical setup aberrations into the first-principles theory, with no fitting parameters. Astigmatism, the dominant term, is determined from images of the focused laser spot. Correcting it can substantially increase stiffness. Comparison with experimental results yields agreement within error bars for a broad range of bead sizes and trap heights, as well as different polarizations. Absolute calibration is established as a reliable and practical method for applications and design of optical tweezers systems.

Magneto-mechanical resonance of a single superparamagnetic microbead trapped by a magnetic domain wall

Magnetic domain walls in ferromagnetic tracks can be used to trap and transport superparamagnetic beads for lab-on-a-chip applications. Here it is shown that the magnetostatic binding between a domain wall and a superparamagnetic bead suspended in a host fluid leads to a distinct magneto-mechanical resonance under application of a sinusoidal driving field. The characteristic resonant frequency depends on the ratio of the magnetostatic binding force to the viscous drag on the bead. This resonance has been experimentally detected for a single trapped superparamagnetic bead using an optical detection technique.

Stable hydrodynamic trapping of hydrogel beads for on-chip differentiation analysis of encapsulated stem cells

This paper suggests a microbead-trapping device to distribute hydrogel beads in an array that encapsulate stem cell aggregates. Only facile pipetting of micro-bead suspension into the chip enabled trapping of hydrogel beads in microwell array within a few minutes. External hydrodynamic flow to hold beads was unnecessary because crescent weir at microwell hold the bead firmly. Tight holding of bead allowed strong washing for on-chip fluorescent staining as well as convenient culture media change. This device was applied to on-chip embryoid body (EB) formation and differentiation of mouse embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells. It is able to provide a new tool for studying the effect of chemical cues on the differentiation of stem cells encapsulated in hydrogel beads. The mouse EC cells encapsulated in the beads were cultured in the microfluidic device for 10 days to observe the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on neuronal differentiation as a model case. These experimental results verified the feasibility of long-term culture and immunostaining assay of stem cell differentiation. This device is expected to be useful tool for observing proliferation or interactions of cells in 3D microenvironment.

Optical Trapping of Beads and Jurkat Cells Using Micromachined Fresnel Zone Plate Integrated with Microfluidic Chip

This paper presents a method for trapping beads and cells using a single-beam optical tweezer and a Fresnel zone plate integrated with a microfluidic chip. The experimental results show that a laser power of 2.4 mW is sufficient to trap 3-µm-diameter polystyrene beads, while a laser power of 1.5 mW is sufficient to trap individual Jurkat cells. The Fresnel zone plate developed in this study has many advantages, including a small size, a straightforward fabrication process, and a simple integration with microfluidic chips. Consequently, it provides an ideal solution for the trapping of a wide range of biological cells for analysis purposes.

Optical Trapping of Beads and Jurkat Cells Using Micromachined Fresnel Zone Plate Integrated with Microfluidic Chip

This paper presents a method for trapping beads and cells using a single-beam optical tweezer and a Fresnel zone plate integrated with a microfluidic chip. The experimental results show that a laser power of 2.4 mW is sufficient to trap 3-µm-diameter polystyrene beads, while a laser power of 1.5 mW is sufficient to trap individual Jurkat cells. The Fresnel zone plate developed in this study has many advantages, including a small size, a straightforward fabrication process, and a simple integration with microfluidic chips. Consequently, it provides an ideal solution for the trapping of a wide range of biological cells for analysis purposes.

Bubble cell for magnetic bead trapping in capillary electrophoresis

A bubble cell capillary classically used to extend the optical path length for UV-vis detection is employed here to trap magnetic beads. With this system, a large amount of beads can be captured without inducing a strong pressure drop, as it is the case with magnetic beads trapped in a standard capillary, thereby having less effect on the experimental conditions. Using numerical simulations and microscopic visualizations, the capture of beads inside a bubble cell was investigated with two magnet configurations. Pressure-driven and electro-osmotic flow velocities were measured for different amounts of protein-A-coated beads or C18-functionalized beads (RPC-18). Solid-phase extraction of a model antibody on protein-A beads and preconcentration of fluorescein on RPC-18 beads were performed as proof of concept experiments.

On-a-chip surface plasmon tweezers

We report on an integrated optical trapping platform operated by simple fiber coupling. The system consists of a dielectric channel optical waveguide decorated with an array of gold micro-pads. Through a suitable engineering of the waveguide mode, we achieve light coupling to the surface plasmon resonance of the gold pads that act as individual plasmonic traps. We demonstrate parallel trapping of both micrometer size polystyrene beads and yeast cells at predetermined locations on the chip with only 20 mW total incident laser power.

Microfabricated Renewable Beads-Trapping/Releasing Flow Cell for Rapid Antigen−Antibody Reaction in Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

A renewable flow cell integrating a microstructured pillar-array filter and a pneumatic microvalve was microfabricated to trap and release beads. A bead-based immunoassay using this device was also developed. This microfabricated device consists of a microfluidic channel connecting to a beads chamber in which the pillar-array filter is built. Underneath the filter, there is a pneumatic microvalve built across the chamber. Such a device can trap and release beads in the chamber by "closing" or "opening" the microvalve. On the basis of the pneumatic microvalve, the device can trap beads in the chamber before performing an assay and release the used beads after the assay. Therefore, this microfabricated device is suitable for "renewable surface analysis". A model analyte, 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP), was chosen to demonstrate the analytical performance of the device. The entire fluidic assay process, including beads trapping, immuno binding, beads washing, beads releasing, and chemiluminesence signal collection, could be completed in 10 min. The immunoassay of TCP using this microfabricated device showed a linear range of 0.20-70 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.080 ng/mL. The device was successfully used to detect TCP spiked in human plasma at the concentration range of 1.0-50 ng/mL, with an analytical recovery of 81-110%. The results demonstrated that this device can provide a rapid, sensitive, reusable, low-cost, and automatic tool for detecting various biomarkers in biological fluids.

Ionic Strength Influences the Mechanical Force Regulation of Myosin'S Unbinding Rate

We previously showed that skeletal muscle actomyosin in various nucleotide states behaves as a catch bond and that bond lifetime is maximal at the isometric force generated by a single myosin molecule. Recent data from our lab suggest the catch-slip behaviour results from allosteric conversion of myosin from a short- to a long-lived bound state. Though these studies shed some light on actin-myosin bond mechanics, the experimental conditions were 5 times lower than physiologic ionic strength. We therefore investigated the possibility that residence times in the short- and long-lived bond state of the myosin head are influenced by ionic strength. Dynamic force spectroscopy was used to measure the load-dependent bond dissociation of nucleotide-free heavy meromyosin (HMM) from actin at 25 mM (typical in vitro) and 145 mM KCl (physiologic ionic strength). In this technique, a trapped actin-coated bead was brought into contact with an HMM-coated surface, a bond was allowed to form, and then the bond was loaded until rupture by moving the laser trap away. We also determined bond lifetimes at near-zero load by placing an actin-coated bead adjacent to the HMM-coated surface and allowing bonds to form and break semi-spontaneously. Actin-myosin bond lifetimes were higher on average at physiologic ionic strength compared to low ionic strength across a range of forces. Further, our data suggest that catch bond behaviour is abrogated at physiologic ionic strength.