Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (6): 3029-3042.doi: 10.1007/s42235-025-00796-4
Development of Magnetic Tweezer-based Platform for Uniform and Continuous Cellular Mechanical Stimuli
Sungkil Lee1, Ryota Toyohara2,3, Toshiro Ohashi2
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1 Division of Human Mechanical Systems and Design,Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13,W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Hokkaido, Japan
2 Division of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Facultyof Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo060-8628, Japan 3 Creative Research Institution, Hokkaido University,Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Development of Magnetic Tweezer-based Platform for Uniform and Continuous Cellular Mechanical Stimuli
Sungkil Lee1, Ryota Toyohara2,3, Toshiro Ohashi2
-
1 Division
of Human Mechanical Systems and Design,Graduate School of Engineering,
Hokkaido University, N13,W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Hokkaido, Japan
2 Division of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Facultyof Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo060-8628, Japan 3 Creative Research Institution, Hokkaido University,Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
摘要： This paper presents a fully integrated platform that leverages hardware, software, and specially formulated O/W emulsions to provide localized mechanical stimuli for manipulating cellular behaviors. The system comprises a hexapole magnetic tweezer device, position-based current calculation software, and biocompatible micro-robots embedded with magnetic microbeads for vibration-driven force generation. High-permeability materials in the tweezer tips, combined with fast-response current regulators, enable rapid and precise force control, ensuring uniform and continuous mechanical stimuli in the pico-newton range. Closed-loop control algorithms automatically adjust coil currents based on the micro-robot’s position, thereby compensating for potential hysteresis and optimizing system stability. Experimental results demonstrate stable operation at frequencies up to 4 Hz, with a theoretical possibility of extending to 8 Hz under a 2 A current, delivering mean forces around 20 pN at 1 Hz with a 57 μm emulsion. Additionally, the platform allows fine-tuning of forces by altering emulsion size or bead concentrations, thereby providing researchers with a versatile approach to study apoptosis, proliferation, and the other mechanotransduction pathways. The biodegradable and cell-friendly emulsion serves as a protective membrane for the magnetic microbeads while effectively mimicking the mechanical properties of living cells. By bridging the gap between precise motion control and continuous vibrational force application, this novel platform offers a promising tool for advancing targeted cellular studies, fostering insights into tissue engineering, and improving cancer therapies.