Laser-assisted repositioning of a micro-object and culturing of an attachment-dependent cell in a microfluidic environment
Inventors
Sackmann, Eric K. • VER HEUL, Nathan J. • Cooper, Ryan M. • MASTROIANNI, Alexander J. • Mocciaro, Annamaria • Pai, Vincent Haw Tien • Lowe, JR., Randall D. • NEIRA-QUINTERO, Hector D. • INGRAM, Patrick N. • SRIDHAR, Smriti
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12467031-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods for laser-assisted repositioning of a micro-object and for culturing an attachment-dependent biological cell within a microfluidic device are described herein. Laser illumination is used to controllably create a bubble which repositions the micro-object. Further, methods of culturing an attachment-dependent biological cell are described, where the methods may include laser-assisted repositioning.
Core Innovation
A method repositions a micro-object disposed in a chamber of a microfluidic device by directing laser illumination upon a starting position on an inner surface of the chamber to generate an illumination area. The chamber is in fluid communication with a flow region containing a first liquid medium through an opening, and the starting position is disposed within a sub-region of the chamber distal to the opening. Moving the laser illumination relative to the microfluidic device changes the position of the illumination area from the starting position to a final position and induces repositioning of the micro-object at least towards the opening of the chamber.
Moving the laser illumination controllably generates a bubble having a trajectory within the chamber, and the generated bubble induces the repositioning of the micro-object. The controlled laser motion drives movement of the micro-object within the chamber toward the opening.
Claims Coverage
The document identifies an independent claim covering laser-illumination-driven repositioning of a micro-object in a microfluidic chamber. The inventive features center on shifting an illumination area from a starting position distal to a chamber opening, controllably generating a bubble having a trajectory, and using the bubble to induce repositioning at least toward the chamber opening.
Laser illumination shifting induces micro-object repositioning
Directing laser illumination upon a starting position on an inner surface of a chamber, then moving the laser illumination relative to the microfluidic device so the illumination area changes from the starting position to a final position and induces repositioning of the micro-object at least towards the opening of the chamber.
Controllably generated bubble with trajectory induces repositioning
Moving the laser illumination relative to the microfluidic device controllably generates a bubble having a trajectory within the chamber, wherein the generated bubble induces the repositioning of the micro-object.
The claim coverage is laser illumination that shifts an illumination area and controllably generates a bubble with a trajectory in the chamber, thereby inducing movement of the micro-object at least toward the chamber opening.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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