Infrared Laser Cell Manipulation via Phase Boundary Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manipulating living cells, such as stem cells, are laborious, prone to genetic alterations, and risk mechanical damage or contamination, with existing laser systems posing safety hazards due to high energy and actinic effects.
Innovation Solution
A Class I laser system using infrared energy with wavelengths greater than 1400 nm induces phase boundary propulsion in an aqueous medium, creating hydrodynamic forces to manipulate cells without thermal damage, using a combination of infrared laser pulses and objective lenses to achieve precise cell manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical methods (glass micropipettes, piezoelectric microknives) are used to excise cells from substrate, then cell manipulation is achieved, but mechanical damage and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting devices (glass micropipettes, piezoelectric microknives) with a laser-based system that uses light energy to ablate and manipulate cells. The laser beam creates a plasma channel through ablation of the substrate and cells, enabling contactless manipulation that eliminates mechanical damage and contamination risks associated with physical tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser-induced plasma channel as an intermediary medium between the laser source and the cells. This plasma channel serves as a mediator that transfers energy to ablate the substrate and manipulate cells without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby preventing contamination and mechanical damage.
2Measurement precision
If high-energy laser systems are used for cell manipulation, then precise cell manipulation is achieved, but safety hazards and actinic effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser to 1450 nm, which is in the infrared region. This wavelength is specifically chosen because it is absorbed by water in the cells, allowing precise manipulation through thermal effects without the actinic damage associated with UV and visible light. The parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling precise manipulation while eliminating safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful absorption of laser energy by water into a beneficial effect. By using 1450 nm infrared light that is strongly absorbed by water, the patent achieves precise cell manipulation through controlled thermal effects and plasma channel formation, while avoiding the actinic damage that would occur with shorter wavelengths.
3Ease of operation
If enzymes (trypsin, collagenase) are used to release adherent cells, then cell release is achieved, but genetic alterations risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces enzymatic methods with a laser-based ablation system. The laser creates a plasma channel that physically separates cells from the substrate through ablation of the adhesive bonds, eliminating the need for enzymes like trypsin or collagenase. This substitution maintains cell genetic integrity while achieving effective cell release.
4Reliability
If manual cutting with glass micropipettes is used, then genetic alteration risk is minimized, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated laser system that can perform cell manipulation tasks without continuous manual intervention. The laser can be programmed to follow predetermined paths and automatically ablate substrates and manipulate cells, reducing the labor intensity and time consumption associated with manual glass micropipette cutting while maintaining genetic integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of glass micropipette cutting with an automated laser ablation system. The laser beam can be precisely controlled and moved through automated positioning systems, enabling high-speed cell manipulation that maintains the genetic integrity benefits of non-enzymatic methods while dramatically improving productivity.
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
The system effectively repositions cells with minimal damage, avoiding genetic alterations and contamination, while being safer and more cost-effective than high-energy laser systems, maintaining cell viability and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
inducing phase boundary propulsion (PBP) at a focal point in an aqueous medium, comprising providing infrared energy having a wavelength greater than 1400 nm to the focal point in the medium using a laser and an objective lens
Implementation Method 2
The laser energy produces one or more phase boundary propulsion events as superheated water in the aqueous cell medium changes to vapor
Implementation Method 3
as superheated water in the aqueous cell medium changes to vapor and generates hydrodynamic forces sufficient to manipulate cells
Implementation Method 4
providing infrared energy having a wavelength greater than 1400 nm to the focal point in the medium using a laser and an objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for using eye-safe infrared energy from a Class I laser to manipulate cells in culture. The laser energy produces one or more phase boundary propulsion events, which generate hydrodynamic forces sufficient to manipulate cells at the focal point.