We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Force-Sensing Microbots Designed to Probe Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Oct 2014
Print article
Image: Side view of the microrobot next to a US penny (Photo courtesy of Purdue University).
Image: Side view of the microrobot next to a US penny (Photo courtesy of Purdue University).
Microrobots that have the capability of probing and engineering individual cells and tissue for biological research and medical applications are being constructed with technology that senses the minuscule forces exerted by a robot’s tiny probe.

Microrobots small enough to interact with cells already exist. However, there is no easy, inexpensive way to measure the small forces applied to cells by the robots. Measuring these microforces is vital to precisely control the bots and to use them to study cells. “What is needed is a useful tool biologists can use every day and at low cost,” said David Cappelleri, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN, USA).

Researchers now have devised and constructed a “vision-based micro-force sensor end-effector,” which is attached to the microrobots similar to a tiny proboscis. A camera is used to measure the probe’s displacement while it pushes against cells, allowing a simple calculation that reveals the force applied.

The new strategy could make it possible to easily measure the micronewtons of force applied at the cellular level. Such a tool is needed to better study cells and to understand how they interact with microforces. The forces can be used to convert cells into specific cell lines, including stem cells for research and medical applications. Moreover, the measurement of microforces can be used to examine how cells respond to specific drugs and to diagnose disease.

“You want a device that is low-cost, that can measure micronewton-level forces and that can be easily integrated into standard experimental test beds,” Dr. Cappelleri said. Microrobots used in research are controlled with magnetic fields to move them into place. “But this is the first one with a truly functional end effector to measure microforces,” he said.

The study’s findings were presented during the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, held in Chicago (IL, USA), September 14–18, 2014.

The new system is combined with the microrobot is about 700 micrometers square, and the researchers are working to create versions about 500 micrometers square. “We are currently working on scaling it down,” Dr. Cappelleri said.

Future research, according to the investigators, also may concentrate on automating the microrobots. The system was fabricated at the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue’s Discovery Park.

Related Links:

Purdue University


Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
GEM Premier 7000 with iQM3
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Monkeypox Test
Monkeypox Virus Rapid Antibody Test
New
Urine Collection Container
Urine Monovette

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.