Phototransistor-Based Optoelectronic Tweezers for Cell Manipulation in Highly Conductive Solution

We report on a novel phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (OET) that, for the first time, enables operation in high-conductivity solutions, such as physiological buffers and cell culture media. This new capability allows the manipulation of cells in biocompatible environments. The controlled transport of HeLa and Jurkat cells at velocities of up to 35 μm/s in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution has been demonstrated.