Design and Optimisation of a Microgripper: Demonstration of Biomedical Applications Using the Manipulation of Oocytes

B. Solano (1) , Andrew J. Galland (1) , D. Wood (1)

1 Durham University

We present a bidirectional electrothermal microgripper for the advanced manipulation of single large cells. The device demonstrates excellent performance, and shows great potential as a supporting microtool for different biomedical procedures such as oocyte selection or electrofusion of cells. In particular, we focus on the operation of the device in real environments, i.e. integrated in a standard biological micromanipulation station and entirely submerged in a biological fluid, for the handling and transportation of ‘live' specimens (in our case mice oocytes). A clamping mechanism is included in the design that limits the pressure exerted over the biological specimen to an approximate maximum of 40 µN, whilst maintaining a robust grip, with a force up to 300 µN, between the arms of the microgripper.

Domaines: Micro et nanotechnologies/Microélectronique

B. Solano, Andrew J. Galland, D. Wood. Design and Optimisation of a Microgripper: Demonstration of Biomedical Applications Using the Manipulation of Oocytes. EDA Publishing, pp.5, 2009. ⟨hal-00400623⟩