Nano-aquarium for dynamic observation of living cells fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing of photostructurable glass

Biomed Microdevices. 2008 Jun;10(3):403-10. doi: 10.1007/s10544-007-9149-0.

Abstract

We demonstrate the fabrication of three-dimensional (3-D) hollow microstructures embedded in photostructurable glass by a nonlinear multiphoton absorption process using a femtosecond (fs) laser. Fs laser direct writing followed by annealing and successive wet etching in dilute hydrofluoric (HF) acid solution resulted in the rapid manufacturing of microchips with 3-D hollow microstructures for the dynamic observation of living microorganisms and cells in fresh water. The embedded microchannel structure enables us to analyze the continuous motion of Euglena gracilis. A microchamber with a movable microneedle demonstrates its ability for the elucidation of the information transmission process in Pleurosira laevis. Such microchips, referred to as nano-aquariums realize the efficient and highly functional observation of microorganisms and cells.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Separation / instrumentation*
  • Cell Separation / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Glass / chemistry*
  • Glass / radiation effects
  • Lasers
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Photochemistry / methods