Using sound waves to manipulate living cells in 3D space
MEMS Acoustic Tweezers for Micromanipulation of Living Cells
This study is working on a new tool that uses sound waves to gently grab and move living cells and tissues, like fish embryos and cancer cells, without touching them, so scientists can better understand how they grow and behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10473728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced ultrasonic tweezers that can capture and manipulate living cells and tissues in three-dimensional space. By utilizing a specialized Fresnel-lens-based transducer, the researchers aim to achieve stronger mechanical trapping forces compared to traditional optical methods. This technology will allow for precise control of biological specimens, such as zebrafish embryos and cancer-derived spheroids, without physical contact, enabling detailed studies of their development and behavior. The approach includes validating the technology through biological experiments to ensure its effectiveness in real-world applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cancer or developmental biology, particularly those whose cells or tissues can be studied using the ultrasonic tweezers.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve cellular manipulation or those who are not eligible for biological assays may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance our understanding of cellular and developmental biology, leading to improved treatments for various cancers and developmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using acoustic methods for cellular manipulation, but this specific approach with Fresnel-lens-based ultrasonic tweezers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Eun Sok — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Kim, Eun Sok
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.