Single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) is used to study the fundamental forces that drive the biological activity of cells and proteins. Nearly al of these biophysical measurements are performed in vitro using purified biomolecules. When studying the function and mechanics of cells, this approach yields inherently incomplete results by failing to account for the influence of the intracellular environment. Therefore, the development of a force spectroscopy system capable of in vivo sensing will advance biophysical measurement capability and help clarify the origins of the interactions driving cellular function. Broadly, a more complete understanding of cellular processes will aid researchers in the discovery and development of treatments for various disorders including cancer. This proposal outlines the development of a novel instrument that combines the manipulation capabilities of optical and magnetic tweezers to facilitate high resolution positioning as well as the application of a relatively large range of forces inside a living cell. To realize an instrumen of this type, an optical tweezers system will be retrofitted with a magnetic apparatus capable of generating controllable rotating magnetic fields. Magnetically anisotropic Janus spheres, less than 200 nm in diameter, will be fabricated to serve as probes that can be optically trapped and magnetically actuated. Their size will facilitate cellular uptake via endocytosis. Once inside the cell infrared laser beams or ultrafast laser pulses combined with external magnetic actuation will enable probe motility and force application without compromising the health of the cell. Advanced servo control schemes will allow the accurate application of forces and measurement of intracellular mechanics. Initially probes will be inserted into live granulocytes to access instrument performance. Once parameters are optimized the in vivo force spectroscopy instrument will be made available to the general research community for the characterization of a myriad of cell lines.

Public Health Relevance

The cell is the fundamental functional unit of human life yet many of its internal and external interactions remain mysterious. Through the application of forces and torques via microscopic probes inserted into the cell, we aim to quantify and manipulate these interactions. Accurate quantification will provide new insight into cellular processes, which could eventually be used to help understand the mechanisms driving various diseases including cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21GM104576-03
Application #
8738689
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRR1)
Program Officer
Friedman, Fred K
Project Start
2012-09-01
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Biomed Engr/Col Engr/Engr Sta
DUNS #
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
Lawson, Joseph L; Jenness, Nathan J; Clark, Robert L (2015) Optomagnetically Controlled Microparticles Manufactured with Glancing Angle Deposition. Part Part Syst Charact 32:734-742
Lawson, Joseph L; Jenness, Nathan J; Clark, Robert L (2015) Optical trapping performance of dielectric-metallic patchy particles. Opt Express 23:33956-69