Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

09:56
Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 31, 2021
Optical capsule and tweezer array for molecular motor use
IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience
|August 20, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical tweezers system using PANDA ring resonators and solitons to create and manipulate molecular capsules. This breakthrough enables precise control and movement of trapped molecules for advanced applications in medicine.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Photonics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optical tweezers are crucial for manipulating microscopic objects.
- Existing methods have limitations in precision and scalability.
- PANDA ring resonators offer a unique platform for optical manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new concept for generating optical capsules and tweezers using a modified PANDA ring resonator.
- To demonstrate the formation of orthogonal tweezers using dark and bright solitons.
- To explore the potential for large-scale manipulation of trapped molecules.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing dark and bright solitons within a PANDA ring resonator.
- Generating left-hand and right-hand rotating solitons for orthogonal tweezers.
- Observing simultaneous formation of optical capsules and tweezers at output ports.
- Imparting angular momentum to objects via soliton interaction, creating tweezer spins.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of orthogonal optical tweezers and molecular capsules.
- Demonstration of simultaneous formation and detection of tweezer spins.
- Capability to create arrays of trapped molecules (capsule spins).
- Objects gain angular momentum, exhibiting two possible spin states.
Conclusions:
- The proposed PANDA ring resonator system effectively generates and controls optical capsules and tweezers.
- This technology allows for secure movement and rotation of trapped molecules.
- Potential applications include medical diagnosis, therapy, and surgery through precise molecular manipulation.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Atomic Force Microscopy
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins
Eukaryotic cells have different motor proteins for transporting various cargo within the cell. These motor proteins differ based on the filament they associate with, the direction they move within the cell, and the type of cargo they transport. Motor proteins that associate with microtubules are known as microtubule-associated motor proteins. There are two families of microtubule-associated motor proteins —Kinesins and Dyneins. Both these proteins assist in the transport of cellular cargos...
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...

