Optical trapping and manipulation of single living cells using infra‐red laser beams

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<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>It is possible to make optical traps for small biological particles using the forces of radiation pressure from a single highly focused laser beam. Laser traps are localized to a few cubic μm and are capable of trapping particles from 10's of nm up to 10's of μm. With infrared laser beams of 1.06 μm wavelength, such traps are capable of confining and freely manipulating single living cells without optical damage. The trap was introduced into the viewing plane of a standard high resolution optical microscope with a high numerical aperture objective for combined trapping and viewing of cells and particles. The reproduction of E. coli bacteria and yeast cells was observed within the infra‐red trap, thus demonstrating damage free operation at power levels capable of moving cells at velocities of 100's of μm/ s in water. Manipulation of organelles within the interior of living plant and animal cells was also demonstrated. Separation of single cells from a collection of cells was accomplished. In addition to E. coli and yeast cells, the technique has been applied to red blood cells, protozoa, tobacco mosaic viruses, many varieties of motile bacteria, and plant cells. The ability to trap cells and organelles within cells having a wide variety of shapes and sizes under damage free conditions enhances the prospects for use of optical trapping techniques in the biological sciences.</jats:p>

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