The mechanical properties of a micrometer-sized giant liposome are studied by deforming it from the inside using dual-beam optical tweezers. As the liposome is extended, its shape changes from a sphere to a lemon shape, and finally, a tubular part is generated. The surface tension σ and the bending rigidity κ of the lipid membrane are obtained from the measured force–extension curve. In a one-phase liposome, it was found that σ increases as the charged component increases but κ remains approximately constant. In a two-phase liposome, the characteristic deformation and the force–extension curve differ from those observed for the one-phase liposome.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mechanical properties of a giant liposome studied using optical tweezers
Yoko Shitamichi, Masatoshi Ichikawa and Yasuyuki Kimura
The mechanical properties of a micrometer-sized giant liposome are studied by deforming it from the inside using dual-beam optical tweezers. As the liposome is extended, its shape changes from a sphere to a lemon shape, and finally, a tubular part is generated. The surface tension σ and the bending rigidity κ of the lipid membrane are obtained from the measured force–extension curve. In a one-phase liposome, it was found that σ increases as the charged component increases but κ remains approximately constant. In a two-phase liposome, the characteristic deformation and the force–extension curve differ from those observed for the one-phase liposome.
The mechanical properties of a micrometer-sized giant liposome are studied by deforming it from the inside using dual-beam optical tweezers. As the liposome is extended, its shape changes from a sphere to a lemon shape, and finally, a tubular part is generated. The surface tension σ and the bending rigidity κ of the lipid membrane are obtained from the measured force–extension curve. In a one-phase liposome, it was found that σ increases as the charged component increases but κ remains approximately constant. In a two-phase liposome, the characteristic deformation and the force–extension curve differ from those observed for the one-phase liposome.
Pattern switching and polarizability for colloids in optical-trap arrays
C. Reichhardt and C. J. Olson Reichhardt
We show that colloidal molecular crystal states interacting with a periodic substrate, such as an optical-trap array, and a rotating external field can undergo a rapid pattern switching in which the orientation of the crystal changes. In some cases, a martensiticlike symmetry switching occurs. It is also possible to create a polarized state where the colloids in each substrate minimum develop a director field which smoothly rotates with the external drive, similar to liquid-crystal behavior. These results open the possibility for creating different types of devices using photonic band-gap materials, and should be generalizable to a variety of other condensed matter systems with multiple particle trapping.
We show that colloidal molecular crystal states interacting with a periodic substrate, such as an optical-trap array, and a rotating external field can undergo a rapid pattern switching in which the orientation of the crystal changes. In some cases, a martensiticlike symmetry switching occurs. It is also possible to create a polarized state where the colloids in each substrate minimum develop a director field which smoothly rotates with the external drive, similar to liquid-crystal behavior. These results open the possibility for creating different types of devices using photonic band-gap materials, and should be generalizable to a variety of other condensed matter systems with multiple particle trapping.
Subdiffusive behavior in a trapping potential: Mean square displacement and velocity autocorrelation function
M. A. Despósito and A. D. Viñales
A theoretical framework for analyzing stochastic data from single-particle tracking in viscoelastic materials and under the influence of a trapping potential is presented. Starting from a generalized Langevin equation, we found analytical expressions for the two-time dynamics of a particle subjected to a harmonic potential. The mean-square displacement and the velocity autocorrelation function of the diffusing particle are given in terms of the time lag. In particular, we investigate the subdiffusive case. Using a power-law memory kernel, exact expressions for the mean-square displacement and the velocity autocorrelation function are obtained interms of Mittag-Leffler functions and their derivatives. The behaviors for short-, intermediate-, and long-time lags are investigated in terms of the involved parameters. Finally, the validity of usual approximations is examined.
A theoretical framework for analyzing stochastic data from single-particle tracking in viscoelastic materials and under the influence of a trapping potential is presented. Starting from a generalized Langevin equation, we found analytical expressions for the two-time dynamics of a particle subjected to a harmonic potential. The mean-square displacement and the velocity autocorrelation function of the diffusing particle are given in terms of the time lag. In particular, we investigate the subdiffusive case. Using a power-law memory kernel, exact expressions for the mean-square displacement and the velocity autocorrelation function are obtained interms of Mittag-Leffler functions and their derivatives. The behaviors for short-, intermediate-, and long-time lags are investigated in terms of the involved parameters. Finally, the validity of usual approximations is examined.
Entropic boundary effects on the elasticity of short DNA molecules
Yih-Fan Chen, David P. Wilson, Krishnan Raghunathan, and Jens-Christian Meiners
We have measured the entropic elasticity of double-stranded-DNA molecules ranging from 247 to 1298 bp in length using axial force-clamp optical tweezers. We show that entropic end effects and excluded-volume forces from surface attachments become significant for such short molecules. The effective persistence length of the shortest molecules decreases by a factor of 2 compared to the established value for long molecules, and excluded-volume forces extend the molecules to about one third of their nominal contour length. We interpret these results in the framework of an inextensible semiflexible rod model.
We have measured the entropic elasticity of double-stranded-DNA molecules ranging from 247 to 1298 bp in length using axial force-clamp optical tweezers. We show that entropic end effects and excluded-volume forces from surface attachments become significant for such short molecules. The effective persistence length of the shortest molecules decreases by a factor of 2 compared to the established value for long molecules, and excluded-volume forces extend the molecules to about one third of their nominal contour length. We interpret these results in the framework of an inextensible semiflexible rod model.
Actin and myosin regulate cytoplasm stiffness in plant cells: a study using optical tweezers
Hannie S. van der Honing , Norbert C. A. de Ruijter , Anne Mie C. Emons and Tijs Ketelaar
Here, we produced cytoplasmic protrusions with optical tweezers in mature BY-2 suspension cultured cells to study the parameters involved in the movement of actin filaments during changes in cytoplasmic organization and to determine whether stiffness is an actin-related property of plant cytoplasm. Optical tweezers were used to create cytoplasmic protrusions resembling cytoplasmic strands. Simultaneously, the behavior of the actin cytoskeleton was imaged. After actin filament depolymerization, less force was needed to create cytoplasmic protrusions. During treatment with the myosin ATPase inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime, more trapping force was needed to create and maintain cytoplasmic protrusions. Thus, the presence of actin filaments and, even more so, the deactivation of a 2,3-butanedione monoxime-sensitive factor, probably myosin, stiffens the cytoplasm. During 2,3-butanedione monoxime treatment, none of the tweezer-formed protrusions contained filamentous actin, showing that a 2,3-butanedione monoxime-sensitive factor, probably myosin, is responsible for the movement of actin filaments, and implying that myosin serves as a static cross-linker of actin filaments when its motor function is inhibited. The presence of actin filaments does not delay the collapse of cytoplasmic protrusions after tweezer release. Myosin-based reorganization of the existing actin cytoskeleton could be the basis for new cytoplasmic strand formation, and thus the production of an organized cytoarchitecture.
Here, we produced cytoplasmic protrusions with optical tweezers in mature BY-2 suspension cultured cells to study the parameters involved in the movement of actin filaments during changes in cytoplasmic organization and to determine whether stiffness is an actin-related property of plant cytoplasm. Optical tweezers were used to create cytoplasmic protrusions resembling cytoplasmic strands. Simultaneously, the behavior of the actin cytoskeleton was imaged. After actin filament depolymerization, less force was needed to create cytoplasmic protrusions. During treatment with the myosin ATPase inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime, more trapping force was needed to create and maintain cytoplasmic protrusions. Thus, the presence of actin filaments and, even more so, the deactivation of a 2,3-butanedione monoxime-sensitive factor, probably myosin, stiffens the cytoplasm. During 2,3-butanedione monoxime treatment, none of the tweezer-formed protrusions contained filamentous actin, showing that a 2,3-butanedione monoxime-sensitive factor, probably myosin, is responsible for the movement of actin filaments, and implying that myosin serves as a static cross-linker of actin filaments when its motor function is inhibited. The presence of actin filaments does not delay the collapse of cytoplasmic protrusions after tweezer release. Myosin-based reorganization of the existing actin cytoskeleton could be the basis for new cytoplasmic strand formation, and thus the production of an organized cytoarchitecture.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The elastic properties of the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule
Frases S, Pontes B, Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Viana NB, Casadevall A.
Microbial capsules are important for virulence, but their architecture and physical properties are poorly understood. The human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans has a large polysaccharide capsule that is necessary for virulence and is the target of protective antibody responses. To study the C. neoformans capsule we developed what we believe is a new approach whereby we probed the capsular elastic properties by applying forces using polystyrene beads manipulated with optical tweezers. This method allowed us to determine the Young's modulus for the capsule in various conditions that affect capsule growth. The results indicate that the Young's modulus of the capsule decreases with its size and increases with the Ca(2+) concentration in solution. Also, capsular polysaccharide manifests an unexpected affinity for polystyrene beads, a property that may function in attachment to host cells and environmental structures. Bead probing with optical tweezers provides a new, nondestructive method that may have wide applicability for studying the effects of growth conditions, immune components, and drugs on capsular properties.
Microbial capsules are important for virulence, but their architecture and physical properties are poorly understood. The human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans has a large polysaccharide capsule that is necessary for virulence and is the target of protective antibody responses. To study the C. neoformans capsule we developed what we believe is a new approach whereby we probed the capsular elastic properties by applying forces using polystyrene beads manipulated with optical tweezers. This method allowed us to determine the Young's modulus for the capsule in various conditions that affect capsule growth. The results indicate that the Young's modulus of the capsule decreases with its size and increases with the Ca(2+) concentration in solution. Also, capsular polysaccharide manifests an unexpected affinity for polystyrene beads, a property that may function in attachment to host cells and environmental structures. Bead probing with optical tweezers provides a new, nondestructive method that may have wide applicability for studying the effects of growth conditions, immune components, and drugs on capsular properties.
Optical trapping of quantum dots in a metallic nanotrap
C Dineen, M Reichelt, S W Koch and J V Moloney
We present a novel optical trap structure for the confinement of a freely mobile quantum dot to a sub-diffraction-limited volume. We examine the optical forces on a single quantum dot, under excitonic resonance conditions, in the presence of resonantly enhanced electric fields in the near-field of a suitably engineered metal nanostructure. A numerical scheme to calculate the electromagnetic force on a quantum dot using anadaptive mesh refinement (AMR) FDTD code combined with microscopic material equations is employed. Numerically derived forces on a single quantum dot are presented and it is shown that the dot may be confined in the proposed structure.
We present a novel optical trap structure for the confinement of a freely mobile quantum dot to a sub-diffraction-limited volume. We examine the optical forces on a single quantum dot, under excitonic resonance conditions, in the presence of resonantly enhanced electric fields in the near-field of a suitably engineered metal nanostructure. A numerical scheme to calculate the electromagnetic force on a quantum dot using anadaptive mesh refinement (AMR) FDTD code combined with microscopic material equations is employed. Numerically derived forces on a single quantum dot are presented and it is shown that the dot may be confined in the proposed structure.
Optical Vortices from Liquid Crystal Droplets
Etienne Brasselet, Naoki Murazawa, Hiroaki Misawa, and Saulius Juodkazis
We report on the generation of mono- and polychromatic optical phase singularities from micron-sized birefringent droplets. This is done experimentally by using liquid crystal droplets whose three dimensional architecture of the optical axis is controlled within the bulk by surfactant agents. Because of its microscopic size these optical vortex generators are optically trapped and manipulated at will, thus realizing a robust self-aligned micro-optical device for orbital angular momentum conversion. Experimental observations are supported by a simple model of optical spin-orbit coupling in uniaxial dielectrics that emphasizes the prominent role of thetransverse optical anisotropy with respect to the beam propagation direction.
We report on the generation of mono- and polychromatic optical phase singularities from micron-sized birefringent droplets. This is done experimentally by using liquid crystal droplets whose three dimensional architecture of the optical axis is controlled within the bulk by surfactant agents. Because of its microscopic size these optical vortex generators are optically trapped and manipulated at will, thus realizing a robust self-aligned micro-optical device for orbital angular momentum conversion. Experimental observations are supported by a simple model of optical spin-orbit coupling in uniaxial dielectrics that emphasizes the prominent role of thetransverse optical anisotropy with respect to the beam propagation direction.
Mechanical Oscillation and Cooling Actuated by the Optical Gradient Force
Qiang Lin, Jessie Rosenberg, Xiaoshun Jiang, Kerry J. Vahala, and Oskar Painter
In this work, we combine the large per-photon optical gradient force with the sensitive feedback of a high quality factor whispering-gallery microcavity. The cavity geometry, consisting of a pair of silica disks separated by a nanoscale gap, shows extremely strong dynamical backaction, powerful enough to excite coherent oscillations even under heavily damped conditions (mechanical Q![[approximate]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sp1ZEd6qyRlVaLyjEc8G5jxiM1V9xHCn4EBuaos_C4RAFyYyUcLnC6hci0VhpAXeHGz1P9W4fq22fKFd5jNFaUjH4WR3PUO1sS5C1e=s0-d)
4). In vacuum, the threshold for regenerative mechanical oscillation is lowered to an optical input power of only 270 nW, or roughly 1000 stored cavity photons, and efficient cooling of the mechanical motion is obtained with a temperature compression factor of nearly 14 dB with an input optical power of only 11 µW.
In this work, we combine the large per-photon optical gradient force with the sensitive feedback of a high quality factor whispering-gallery microcavity. The cavity geometry, consisting of a pair of silica disks separated by a nanoscale gap, shows extremely strong dynamical backaction, powerful enough to excite coherent oscillations even under heavily damped conditions (mechanical Q
4). In vacuum, the threshold for regenerative mechanical oscillation is lowered to an optical input power of only 270 nW, or roughly 1000 stored cavity photons, and efficient cooling of the mechanical motion is obtained with a temperature compression factor of nearly 14 dB with an input optical power of only 11 µW.Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Controlled assembly of In2O3 nanowires on electronic circuits using scanning optical tweezers
Song-Woo Lee, Gunho Jo, Takhee Lee, and Yong-Gu Lee
In2O3 nanowires can be used effectively as building blocks in the production of electronic circuits used in transparent and flexible electronic devices. The fabrication of these devices requires a controlled assembly of nanowires at crucial places and times. However, this kind of controlled assembly, which results in the fusion of nanowires to circuits, is still very difficult to execute. In this study, we demonstrate the benefits of using various lengths of In2O3 nanowires by using non-contact mechanisms, such as scanning optical tweezers, to place them on designated targets during the fabrication process. Furthermore, these nanowires can be stabilized at both ends of the conducting wires using a focused laser, and later in the process, the annealed technique, so that proper flow of electrons is affected.
In2O3 nanowires can be used effectively as building blocks in the production of electronic circuits used in transparent and flexible electronic devices. The fabrication of these devices requires a controlled assembly of nanowires at crucial places and times. However, this kind of controlled assembly, which results in the fusion of nanowires to circuits, is still very difficult to execute. In this study, we demonstrate the benefits of using various lengths of In2O3 nanowires by using non-contact mechanisms, such as scanning optical tweezers, to place them on designated targets during the fabrication process. Furthermore, these nanowires can be stabilized at both ends of the conducting wires using a focused laser, and later in the process, the annealed technique, so that proper flow of electrons is affected.
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