Optical micromanipulation in mechanobiology: optical tweezers, scissors, and beyond

The recent developments of optical or light technologies on the nano- and microscale have enabled unprecedented advances in our understanding of the life sciences such as deciphering cell and tissue functions by looking at changes in their mechanical properties that contribute to development, cell differentiation, physiology, and disease. There exist many techniques that enable measurements of the biomechanics of cells and molecules. In this talk I will cover optical tweezers, and scissors, digital microscopy, as well as light- based neuroscience studies as applied in cells and molecules. I will outline interesting measurements of forces, torques, positions, viscoelastic properties, and optogenetics inside and outside a cell attained when using structured light in combination with optical tweezers and scissors. The key advantage of optical tweezers, scissors, and structured light illumination over mechanical prodding, poking, and sorting is that they normally do not damage the fragile and soft structures that make up the cells of living organisms.