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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 31, 2021
Automated cell manipulation in multicellular environments by an optically induced dielectrophoresis system based on
Yongqi Hu1, Ying Wang2, Tong Jiang1
1International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.
Biomedical Microdevices
|July 30, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an automated method for cell manipulation using Optically Induced Dielectrophoresis (ODEP) and static optical traps. The technique effectively controls target cells while confining non-target cells, improving performance in complex cellular environments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Optically Induced Dielectrophoresis (ODEP) offers flexible cell manipulation with low cellular damage.
- Existing automated ODEP methods struggle with controlling non-target cells in multicellular environments, limiting performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated cell manipulation method that effectively controls target cells while managing non-target cells in complex environments.
- To integrate ODEP, image processing, static optical traps, and path planning for enhanced cell manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Cells are identified and localized using image processing.
- Non-target cells are confined by static optical traps, acting as obstacles for path planning.
- The A-star algorithm generates obstacle-avoiding paths for target cell manipulation.
Main Results:
- Target cells successfully followed planned paths to designated locations.
- Non-target cells remained confined within static optical traps with minimal displacement.
- High success rates were achieved for single-cell (approx. 90%) and two-cell (approx. 80%) transport experiments.
Conclusions:
- The integrated method demonstrates effective cell manipulation in multicellular fields of view.
- Combining static optical confinement with automated path planning is feasible for complex cellular environments.
- This approach provides a foundation for advanced cell manipulation in denser and more intricate biological systems.
