Acoustic Cell Manipulation for Non-Damaging Membrane Studies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for studying cellular and subcellular processes often require physical interaction with cells, leading to damage and have low signal-to-noise ratio, slow detection, and limited sample size, especially when interacting with cellular membranes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using acoustic forces to manipulate and investigate cellular bodies by generating a bulk acoustic wave in a sample holder with a functionalized wall surface, allowing for simultaneous interaction and study of multiple cellular bodies without adhesion of foreign objects, enabling the probing of entire contact surfaces and adhesion forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical interaction techniques are used to study cellular membranes, then direct interaction with cells is achieved, but cell damage occurs and signal-to-noise ratio is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interaction techniques with acoustic field interaction. Acoustic waves exert forces on cells through radiation pressure and acoustic streaming, enabling non-contact manipulation and measurement of cellular properties without physical contact or damage, while providing sufficient signal strength for precise measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cell. The acoustic waves serve as a mediator that transfers energy and momentum to the cell without direct physical contact, allowing study of cellular membranes through acoustic radiation forces while avoiding the harmful effects of direct mechanical interaction.
2Ease of operation
If foreign objects are adhered to cells for manipulation, then cell interaction is enabled, but cell damage increases and sample size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the attachment of foreign objects with acoustic field-based manipulation. Acoustic radiation forces and acoustic streaming enable direct manipulation of cells through the acoustic field alone, eliminating the need for foreign objects or microbeads attached to cell surfaces, thereby preserving cell integrity and allowing larger sample sizes.
3Measurement precision
If localised interaction techniques are used, then specific membrane regions can be probed, but detection speed is slow and signal strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic waves with specific frequencies to create resonant vibrations and standing waves in the acoustic field. This enables enhanced interaction forces at specific locations while maintaining rapid detection capabilities through the oscillating nature of the acoustic field, which can be detected at high frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic acoustic fields that can be adjusted in frequency, amplitude, and spatial distribution. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize both the strength of interaction forces and the speed of detection by adjusting the acoustic parameters in real-time according to the specific measurement requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, non-damaging studies of cellular properties such as biomolecule presence, adhesion forces, and kinetics, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and ability to study multiple cells in parallel, facilitating applications like single-cell analysis and potential administration to or return from test subjects.
Implementation Method 1
generating an acoustic wave in the holding space exerting a force on the sample in the holding space
Implementation Method 2
more powerful tools are sought after, in particular tools that provide stronger signals and if possible tools that are less prone to damage the cell. In view of that, herewith, a method of and system for manipulating and/or investigating cellular bodies are provided, based on acoustic forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manipulating and/or investigating cellular bodies (9) is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a sample holder (3) comprising a holding space (5) for holding a fluid medium (11); providing a sample (7) comprising one or more cellular bodies (9) in a fluid medium (11) in the holding space (5); generating an acoustic wave in the holding space exerting a force (F) on the sample (7) in the holding space (5). The method further comprises providing the holding space (5) with a functionalised wall surface portion (17) to be contacted by the sample (7) and the sample (7) is in contact with the functionalised wall surface portion (17) during at least part of the step of application of the acoustic wave. A system and a sample holder (3) are also provided.