Active particles as mobile microelectrodes for selective bacteria electroporation and transport

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Self-propelling micromotors offer advanced capabilities for micro- and nanoscale applications.
• Janus particles (JPs) can generate localized field gradients for matter manipulation via dielectrophoresis.
• These JPs function as mobile microelectrodes under an applied electric field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of self-propelling Janus particles for single-cell manipulation and analysis.
• To investigate the selective electroporation of bacteria using JP-induced electric fields.
• To establish a novel experimental tool for single-cell analysis and targeted delivery.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing polarizable active metallodielectric Janus particles (JPs) as self-propelling micromotors.
• Applying external electric fields to induce dielectrophoretic forces and manipulate JPs.
• Employing JPs to singularly trap and transport bacterial cells.
• Achieving selective electroporation of trapped bacteria using continuous alternating current and pulsed signals.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful singular trapping and transport of bacteria using JPs.
• Achieved selective electroporation of bacteria via localized electric field intensification induced by JPs.
• Confirmed the efficacy of the method under both continuous alternating current and pulsed signal conditions.
• Showcased the generic applicability of the approach to various cell types and micromotor designs.

Conclusions:

• Self-propelling Janus particles serve as effective mobile microelectrodes for precise single-cell manipulation.
• This technique enables selective electroporation of trapped bacteria, advancing single-cell analysis.
• The developed approach represents a significant advancement for targeted delivery and micro/nanoscale biological applications.