Nanoscale optomechanical actuators for controlling mechanotransduction in living cells

Nat Methods. 2016 Feb;13(2):143-6. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.3689. Epub 2015 Dec 14.

Abstract

To control receptor tension optically at the cell surface, we developed an approach involving optomechanical actuator nanoparticles that are controlled with near-infrared light. Illumination leads to particle collapse, delivering piconewton forces to specific cell surface receptors with high spatial and temporal resolution. We demonstrate optomechanical actuation by controlling integrin-based focal adhesion formation, cell protrusion and migration, and T cell receptor activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Energy Transfer
  • Equipment Design
  • Light
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Mice
  • Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Optical Devices
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Receptors, Cell Surface