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Measuring nanoscale forces with living probes.
S N Olof1, J A Grieve, D B Phillips
1H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TL, United Kingdom.
Nano Letters
|October 25, 2012
Summary
Living diatoms serve as advanced probes for holographic optical tweezing, offering advantages over traditional microspheres for biological research and force sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optical trapping
- Cellular mechanics
Background:
- Optical trapping commonly uses microspheres, limiting probe complexity.
- Complex probe morphologies offer advantages like controlled interaction volumes and reduced photodamage.
- Anisotropic probes enable multifunctional applications and asymmetric surface chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of living diatom cells as advanced probes in holographic optical tweezing.
- To characterize the optical and material properties of diatoms for tweezing applications.
- To demonstrate diatoms as calibrated force sensors and probes.
Main Methods:
- Holographic optical tweezing of Nitzschia subacicularis cells.
- Characterization of diatom silica frustule's optical and material properties.
- Calibration of diatoms as force sensors in biological samples.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful optical trapping of living diatom cells.
- Quantified optical and material properties of the anisotropic diatom frustules.
- Showcased diatoms' utility as calibrated force sensors and probes.
Conclusions:
- Living diatoms are viable and advantageous advanced probes for holographic optical tweezing.
- Diatoms offer unique capabilities for studying biological processes and forces.
- This approach expands the toolkit for advanced biophysical investigations.
