"No-touch" physical methods to study cell behaviour dynamics

by Dr Uma Ladiwala (Assistant Professor, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences)

Friday 6 Sept 2013, 16:00 → 17:00 Asia/Kolkata

AG-66 (Colaba Campus)

The study of living single cells or cell-cell interactions in real time requires special techniques that can manipulate cells without involving any physical impingement or toxic chemicals. Optical trapping (tweezing), one such technique involving a laser-based approach, was used in conjunction with fluid flow technology to dissect the mechanics and spatio-temporal dynamics of how neural progenitor/stem cells (NSCs) adhere and aggregate in real time. The implications for neursophere formation and the neurosphere assay are discussed. Another laser-based approach that can be applied to directional control of cell growth is the use of laser-patterned surfaces that enhance “wettability”. A brief description of some experiments and the usefulness of directed cell growth are “touched upon”.