USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Johns Hopkins University

Kate Malachowski

David H Gracias

Madan Dubey

Christopher James Morris

Microgrippers adapted to capture, manipulate, and contain single cells in both in vitro and in vivo cell applications are disclosed. The energy required to actuate these microgrippers is derived from the release of residual stress and does not require any wires, tethers, or batteries. Because the microgrippers are made from biocompatible and biosorbable materials, they do not accumulate in tissue. Accordingly, they can be used for in vivo applications, such as for gripping single cells in tissue biopsies.

Bioresorbable self-folding tools for surgery, single cell capture and manipulation

According to embodiments, an optically-actuated mechanical device comprises at least one deformable section formed of: an element including an intrinsic stress differential or gradient, the stress tending to urge deformation of one portion relative to another portion; and an optically-sensitive material which is configured to (i) initially prevent deformation of the device, and (ii) upon sufficient heating by absorbing optical energy allows the element to deform. The devices may be incorporated into various devices and apparatuses for select, non-contact actuation using only optical energy, for example, via light, from one or more lasers. Methods for fabricating and actuating such devices are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Silver Spring, MD, United States of America

Kate Malachowski