Dynamic control of local molecular concentration using optoelectrofluidic fluorescence microscopy

For both detection and modulation of local molecular concentration, a new optoelectrofluidic fluorescence microcopy (OFM), wherein an optoelectrofluidic device is combined with a conventional fluorescence microscope, has been demonstrated. By using the frequency-dependent optoelectrofluidics, spatial and temporal switching of local concentration of biomolecules is demonstrated in a rapid and non-contact manner. The molecular behavior, which is appeared by optically-induced electrohydrodynamic flows, is also investigated based on the experimental results. This novel technique for tuning local molecular concentration would be a useful tool for several chemical and biological applications.