Pneumatically actuated devices for cell manipulation

Living cells are a complex, dynamic entity, continuously adapting and responding to biochemical and physical cues. Cellular metabolism and fate can be regulated through various factors, such as the introduction of biomolecules into cells or through mechanobiological stimuli. This invited talk will present our work in the development of pneumatically actuated micro devices for manipulating single cells and small colonies of cells. Applications of these devices in immobilizing cells for cell surgery and mechanically stimulating cells for mechanobiology studies will be introduced.