A microfluidic device to control bio actuators of microorganisms, an application to Vorticella convallaria

We demonstrate a microfluidic device to control the motion of Vorticella convallaria by changing solution. Floating cells of V. convallaria were injected and cultured inside the device. Approximately 35 cells of V. convallaria in 102 nl of the solution. The cells were treated with saponin solution and controlled with a microfluidic device. When reaction solution was switched, the stalk contracted and relaxed corresponding to the ambient calcium ion concentration change. The length of the stalk changed between 40 and 60 µm, resulting in a working distance of about 20 µm.