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Manipulating rod-shaped bacteria with optical tweezers
Zheng Zhang1, Tom E P Kimkes1, Matthias Heinemann2
1Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Scientific Reports
|December 15, 2019
Summary
Optical tweezers can now stably trap single Escherichia coli bacteria for extended periods. Oscillating traps allow higher infrared exposure, ensuring bacterial viability for microbiology applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Optical physics
Background:
- Optical tweezers offer potential for single-cell manipulation in microbiology.
- Current methods for live cell studies using optical tweezers are underdeveloped.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine parameters for stable trapping of single Escherichia coli.
- Identify safe infrared (IR) exposure limits for bacterial viability.
- Establish a method for long-term optical manipulation of bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Utilized oscillating and stationary optical tweezers to trap E. coli.
- Varied IR exposure levels and trap parameters (length, frequency, orientation).
- Assessed bacterial viability after optical trapping.
Main Results:
- Oscillating traps tolerate 2.5x higher IR exposure (20 J vs. 8 J) than stationary traps.
- Optimal oscillating trap parameters: 20% longer than cell, >100 Hz frequency, perpendicular to flow.
- Bacteria remained viable for at least 30 minutes in oscillating traps at sufficient IR power for stable holding.
Conclusions:
- Established a robust method for long-term, stable manipulation of single E. coli using optical tweezers.
- Demonstrated that oscillating optical traps enhance bacterial viability under IR exposure.
- This work facilitates advanced single-cell studies in microbiology.
