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PROPOSAL AT A GLANCE
Proposal name:
CellAFM: Imaging and nanomanipulation of living microbial cells by a microrobot-AFM system
Subject:
CellAFM addresses the development of an advanced in-situ bio-characterisation station for living microbial cells, combining a flexible microrobot for cell nanomanipulation and an atomic force microscope mainly for imaging. In this way - and via the additionally integrated haptic feedback- the main limitation of AFM-based cell characterisation – the lack of real-time vision control during nanomanipulation – will be overcome. The microrobot will use different self-sensing tools like piezoresistive cantilevers or force-sensing micropipettes, allowing for mechanical and electrical characterisation of living cells.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Proposal Outline:
*Definition of the specifications for nanomanipulation station for living cells
The main objective of this project is mechanical characterization of biofilms and selective electroporation of living cells, which can not be conducted with current technology. For this reason a detailed analysis of the limits of characterization of biological cells with currently available technology has to be done.
*Nanomanipulationrobots Development
The aim of this task is to specify and build nanohandling robots, for working in cooperation with the AFM. Tasks such as the positioning, imaging and nanimanipulation tasks of the cooperative robotic platforms are automated.
*AFM modification and improvement for cooperative nanomanipulation
Operations such as nanoindentating the sample, securing the tip, applying electric fields for nanoparticle trapping, etc. must be automated at this level of the software. For integrating the AFM into thee whole station, the AFM head has to be modified for allowing the cooperation with the nanomanipulation robot.
*Design and development of special nanotools for the Demonstrators
Different mainly selfsensing tools, fulfilling the special requirements for the handling of biological objects, have to be developed. They will be used for installing in the AFM or the robot. These tools can be either cantilevers or for instance micropipettes.
*Development of the whole system integrating the different parts
Integration of the AFM and a nanomanipulation robot in the same workspace is performed. Different cell substrate materials will be tested with the different microbials. Some specific studies require to test another materials, as microfluidic systems. Substrates of medical interest as for instance used for implants will be tested.
*Control system implementation for performing complex operations with the final station
The cooperation control subsystem coordinates the position of the cantilevers and nanotools by using the information from the optical microscope and the AFM. The user interface will be enhanced with an force feedback for the user via an haptic interface and virtual imaging of the nanomanipulation scenario.
*Demonstration of the Stations Performance
Mechanical testing of biofilms will be performed in different ways: using the robotic tool apply stress, the AFM for sensing the mechanical transmission, using functional cantilevers for pulling experiments. Electrical characterization will be performed in several different experiments.
The main objective of this project is mechanical characterization of biofilms and selective electroporation of living cells, which can not be conducted with current technology. For this reason a detailed analysis of the limits of characterization of biological cells with currently available technology has to be done.
*Nanomanipulationrobots Development
The aim of this task is to specify and build nanohandling robots, for working in cooperation with the AFM. Tasks such as the positioning, imaging and nanimanipulation tasks of the cooperative robotic platforms are automated.
*AFM modification and improvement for cooperative nanomanipulation
Operations such as nanoindentating the sample, securing the tip, applying electric fields for nanoparticle trapping, etc. must be automated at this level of the software. For integrating the AFM into thee whole station, the AFM head has to be modified for allowing the cooperation with the nanomanipulation robot.
*Design and development of special nanotools for the Demonstrators
Different mainly selfsensing tools, fulfilling the special requirements for the handling of biological objects, have to be developed. They will be used for installing in the AFM or the robot. These tools can be either cantilevers or for instance micropipettes.
*Development of the whole system integrating the different parts
Integration of the AFM and a nanomanipulation robot in the same workspace is performed. Different cell substrate materials will be tested with the different microbials. Some specific studies require to test another materials, as microfluidic systems. Substrates of medical interest as for instance used for implants will be tested.
*Control system implementation for performing complex operations with the final station
The cooperation control subsystem coordinates the position of the cantilevers and nanotools by using the information from the optical microscope and the AFM. The user interface will be enhanced with an force feedback for the user via an haptic interface and virtual imaging of the nanomanipulation scenario.
*Demonstration of the Stations Performance
Mechanical testing of biofilms will be performed in different ways: using the robotic tool apply stress, the AFM for sensing the mechanical transmission, using functional cantilevers for pulling experiments. Electrical characterization will be performed in several different experiments.
Keywords:
cell characterisation
AFM
atomic-force microscopy
self-sensing tools
piezoresistive cantilevers
microrobotics
AFM
atomic-force microscopy
self-sensing tools
piezoresistive cantilevers
microrobotics
PARTNER PROFILE SOUGHT
Required skills and Expertise:
Expertise for production of piezoresistive cantilevers
Description of work to be carried out by the partner(s) sought:
Development of AFM tips assembled in the microrobot:
The sensitive end-effectors assembled in the microrobot and used for nanomanipulation, will need to fulfil specific characteristics to be used in living microbial cells experiments. First of all they have to be self sensing active end-effectors. This means that a sensor (force sensor) has to be integrated in the cantilever structure. This sensor could be an integrated piezoresistance in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. Sensing lateral forces is also a very important characteristic in order to obtain a better and accurate real time force feedback to help the user for nanomanipulation. This could be made including a second piezoresistance integrated in the cantilever structure.
Other important characteristics (as for the microscope tips) for these sensitive end-effectors to work in biomedical applications are: biocompatibility to avoid bacteria damage and tip contamination, very soft tips around (k < 0.01 N/m), the availability to work in liquids, protruding tip from the end of the cantilever and special coating for seeing it with the optical microscope.
Special tips for chemical and electrical nanomanipulation (conducting and functionalized tips) must be necessary for performing some of the experiences with the living microbial cells.
The sensitive end-effectors assembled in the microrobot and used for nanomanipulation, will need to fulfil specific characteristics to be used in living microbial cells experiments. First of all they have to be self sensing active end-effectors. This means that a sensor (force sensor) has to be integrated in the cantilever structure. This sensor could be an integrated piezoresistance in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. Sensing lateral forces is also a very important characteristic in order to obtain a better and accurate real time force feedback to help the user for nanomanipulation. This could be made including a second piezoresistance integrated in the cantilever structure.
Other important characteristics (as for the microscope tips) for these sensitive end-effectors to work in biomedical applications are: biocompatibility to avoid bacteria damage and tip contamination, very soft tips around (k < 0.01 N/m), the availability to work in liquids, protruding tip from the end of the cantilever and special coating for seeing it with the optical microscope.
Special tips for chemical and electrical nanomanipulation (conducting and functionalized tips) must be necessary for performing some of the experiences with the living microbial cells.
Type of partner(s) sought:
small / medium enterprise or university institute
The Proposer is looking for a Coordinator:
No
PROPOSER INFORMATION
Organisation:
University of Oldenburg
Department:
Microrobotics and Control Engineering
Type of Organisation:
University
Country:
Germany
