Controlled three-dimensional rotation of single cells using acoustic waves

The ability to precisely control the three-dimensional orientation of micrometer-sized biological samples is critical for its phenotypic investigation. We develop an acoustic wave-based microfluidic device that can be used for the trapping and rotational manipulation of single plant cells. Resonant acoustic excitation of air-filled microbubbles generates localized vortices that can be used for the controlled three-dimensional rotation of single cells. We compare the rotational capabilities of microbubble-generated vortices with that of vortices generated by vibration of solid microstructures. We demonstrate the rotational capabilities of the device using single plant cells, the pollen grain. (c) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.