Acoustic tweezers for the life sciences

Nat Methods. 2018 Dec;15(12):1021-1028. doi: 10.1038/s41592-018-0222-9. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Abstract

Acoustic tweezers are a versatile set of tools that use sound waves to manipulate bioparticles ranging from nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles to millimeter-sized multicellular organisms. Over the past several decades, the capabilities of acoustic tweezers have expanded from simplistic particle trapping to precise rotation and translation of cells and organisms in three dimensions. Recent advances have led to reconfigured acoustic tweezers that are capable of separating, enriching, and patterning bioparticles in complex solutions. Here, we review the history and fundamentals of acoustic-tweezer technology and summarize recent breakthroughs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics*
  • Animals
  • Biological Science Disciplines*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Optical Tweezers / standards*