Controllable Patterning of Different Cells Via Optical Assembly of 1D Periodic Cell Structures

Hongbao Xin, Yuchao Li andBaojun Li

Flexible patterning of different cells into designated locations with direct cell–cell contact at single-cell patterning precision and control is of great importance, however challenging, for cell patterning. Here, an optical assembly method for patterning of different types of cells via direct cell–cell contact at single-cell patterning precision and control is demonstrated. Using Escherichia coli and Chlorella cells as examples, different cells are flexibly patterned into 1D periodic cell structures (PCSs) with controllable configurations and lengths, by periodically connecting one type of cells with another by optical force. The patterned PCSs can be flexibly moved and show good light propagation ability. The propagating light signals can be detected in real-time, providing new opportunities for the detection of transduction signals among patterned cells. This patterning method is also applicable for cells of other kinds, including mammalian/human cells.

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