Trio of UK universities develop 'ultrasonic hands'

摘要

Researchers from the universities of Bath, Bristol and Dundee have used ultrasonic waves to "grab" microparticles, effectively creating a pair of invisible "ultrasonic hands" that can move tiny objects, such as cells, under a microscope. Using tiny plastic spheres the size of biological cells, the researchers found that objects could be moved along independent paths and then brought together. Such capabilities provide new tools to study cells which could help biologists or medics perform delicate tasks, such as sorting or assembling cells into patterns for tissue engineering, stem cell work and regenerative medicine. Dr Charles Courtney from the Bath University's department of mechanical engineering said: "We have shown that sophisticated microparticle manipulation is possible using a relatively simple desktop apparatus that can be used with a standard microscope system."