Trapping and delivery of Escherichia coli in a microfluidic channel using an optical nanofiber

Hongbao Xin, Chang Cheng and Baojun Li

Stable trapping and direct delivery of bacteria are very important in studying their nanoscopic biochemical processes. Here, we report stable optical trapping and direct delivery of Escherichia coli in a microfluidic channel. By placing an optical nanofiber (NF, diameter: 600 nm) in the channel and launching a laser beam at 980 nm wavelength with an optical power over 25 mW into the NF, E. coli were stably trapped by the NF. Trapping stability was tested in flowing suspensions and delivery efficiency of the trapped E. coli was demonstrated. Experimental results were interpreted by numerical simulations and theoretical calculations.
DOI