Paper Title:

Low Voltage Microgripper for Single Cell Manipulation

Periodical Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 57)
Main Theme Biomedical Applications of Smart Materials
Edited by Pietro VINCENZINI and Danilo DE ROSSI
Pages 67-72
DOI 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AST.57.67
Citation Belen Solano et al., 2008, Advances in Science and Technology, 57, 67
Online since September, 2008
Authors Belen Solano, Andrew J. Gallant, Gareth D. Greggains, David Wood, Mary Herbert
Keywords Cells, Electrothermal, IVF, Manipulation, Micro-Gripper, Oocyte, Polymeric
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Abstract

In this work, we present the characterisation of an electrothermally actuated microgripper that operates in both dry and liquid media, and shows improved performance versus existing devices. The microgripper, fabricated in a combination of polymeric (SU8) and conductive materials (Au), is able to produce displacements up to 110 μm in air and 30 μm in liquid. In both cases, the voltage and the electrical power required is minimal (less than 3 V and 180 mW respectively) and so both, high temperatures and electrolysis, are prevented. Micromanipulation experiments have successfully demonstrated the gripping, holding and transport of mice oocytes (approx. diameter 100 μm) in a biological media.