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Characterization, Manipulation, and Isolation of Paramecium aurelia Using a Micro‐Electromigration Chip and Computer Vision
Author(s) -
Shunmugam Ashaa Preyadharishini,
Fernandez Javier G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.202000152
Subject(s) - paramecium aurelia , electromigration , nanotechnology , paramecium , isolation (microbiology) , microfluidics , characterization (materials science) , materials science , chip , biology , engineering , electrical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , composite material
Manipulating microorganisms with inherent motility is a challenging yet significant aim with implications in many biological, environmental, and technological applications. Many microorganisms that are broadly available in nature can be used as self‐powered systems that can be directed with external stimuli. Paramecium is a unicellular protozoan that exhibits a negative galvanotaxis where the cell follows the direction of weak electric fields. Here, the galvanotactic behavior of Paramecia is studied to achieve the precise manipulation of these organisms. Using a specially devised microfluidic chip and computer vision, unprecedented levels of manipulation and isolation of Paramecia are demonstrated, enabling their integration, use, and study in micro‐electromechanical systems.