Three-Dimensional Micro Actuator and Sensor System for Dynamic Stimulations and Evaluations of Mechanical Properties of Minute Living Cells

Abstract

In this study, a new noninvasive sensor system is developed to detect compliance of minute living cells and tissues by using dynamic response of a piezoelectric vibrator. The bending mode of vibration, excited impulsively by piezoelectric ceramics, is utilized in a small clamped-free beam type vibrator. A three-dimensional micro actuator, in which a doubly L-shaped clamped-free beam type vibrator is utilized, is also developed to enforce dynamic stimulations. The sensor and the three-dimensional actuator were united and integrally controlled by a micromanipulator system, while dimensions and morphologies of the cells were measured by an inverted phase contrast microscope system. Experimental studies have been carried out using fertilized egg cell of killifish. The studies have shown the sensor's capability to detect changes of mechanical properties of the minute living cells. Also, the method has shown that the reaction of living cells might have frequency dependence on vibrating stimulations by the actuator.

Keywords

• three dimensional micro actuator
• micro sensor
• piezoelectric device
• dynamic stimulation
• living cell
• mechanical property
• locally damaged cell
• reaction of cell