A Novel Single-Cell Surgery Tool Using Photothermal Effects of Metal Nanoparticles

We demonstrate a novel single-cell surgery tool that integrates photothermal effects of gold nanoparticles with microcapillary techniques. A transient hole opening of the cell membrane at the tip of the micropipette was accomplished using laser-induced localized heating of nanoparticles. A control experiment using a conventional glass pipette of the same size without gold nanoparticles is also performed to exclude the effect of direct laser heating. This device has the potential to enable minimum cell damage during operation and provides a direct and convenient access to the cell interior without exerting large mechanical stress to fragile cells.