Controlled three-dimensional rotation of single cells using acoustic waves

Abstract 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.