Multiplexed force measurements on live cells with holographic optical tweezers

Opt Express. 2009 Apr 13;17(8):6209-17. doi: 10.1364/oe.17.006209.

Abstract

We describe open-loop and closed-loop multiplexed force measurements using holographic optical tweezers. We quantify the performance of our novel video-based control system in a driven suspension of colloidal particles. We demonstrate our system's abilities with the measurement of the mechanical coupling between Aplysia bag cell growth cones and beads functionalized with the neuronal cell adhesion molecule, apCAM. We show that cells form linkages which couple beads to the underlying cytoskeleton. These linkages are intermittent, stochastic and heterogeneous across beads distributed near the leading edge of a single growth cone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aplysia / cytology*
  • Aplysia / physiology*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Growth Cones / physiology*
  • Growth Cones / ultrastructure*
  • Holography / instrumentation*
  • Micromanipulation / instrumentation*
  • Optical Tweezers*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stress, Mechanical