Optical tweezers and scissors are two common applications of laser micro-beams in biological research. Previously in our lab, there have been experiments that utilized both optical trapping and cutting, but in these experiments, optical trapping and cutting were performed at different time-points as the sample would have to be transferred from an optical cutting system to an optical trapping system or vice versa. In this project, we designed and built a combined laser scissors and tweezers microscope that (1) has two trapping beams and (2) uses a short pulsed tunable 200 fs 76 MHz 710-990 nm Ti:Sapphire laser for laser microsurgery. Both the position and power of all three beams can be independently controlled. Moreover, experiments were performed to test the ability of the system to trap and move whole chromosome or chromosome fragments inside living PTK-2 cells as well as chromosomes in suspension. The optical scissors laser was used at 730 nm to successfully cut chromosomes inside live cells. The optical traps were able to move whole chromosomes or chromosome fragments (after cutting) inside live Nocodazole-treated cells and also chromosomes isolated in suspension. The optical traps were not able to move intact or cut chromosomes inside un-treated cells, cold-treated cells or cells where the kinetochore or microtubule spindle was damaged using the optical scissors. Our experiments show that chromosome's geometry and index of refraction allow for easy trapping. However, when inside cells, the microenvironment around them, especially the microtubule spindle cage, can prevent any trapping movement.

Volume 55 in Methods in Cell Biology is a concise laboratory book that emphasizes the methods and technologies needed to use single polarized laser light source that functions simultaneously as an optical trap and a dual-beam interferometer.* * Provides a practical laboratory guide for methods and technologies used with laser tweezers* Includes comprehensive and easy-to-follow protocols

Optical tweezers and laser scissors are invaluable tools to manipulate cells on the micro and nano scale level. By integrating laser technologies with imaging and biochemical techniques, robust systems can be created to study various biological and biochemical processes. The purpose of this thesis is to describe two different optical methods used to study two cell-based problems. In the first experiment, optical tweezers are used to examine the effects of viscosity on sperm motility and energetics using a 1064nm Nd:YVO4 continuous laser. In the second experiment, laser scissors are used to study growth cone response from laser induced damage using a Vanguard Nd: YVO4 second harmonic generator (SHG) 532 nm picosecond green laser. The proceeding sections describe the optical systems for each experiment as well as the methods used. Results of both studies are presented and discussed in detail.

This detailed volume explores a wide variety of techniques involving optical tweezers, a technology that has become increasingly more accessible to a broad range of researchers. Beginning with recent technical advances, the book continues by covering the application of optical tweezers to study DNA-protein interactions and DNA motors, protocols to perform protein (un)folding experiments, the application of optical tweezers to study actin- and microtubule-associated motor proteins, and well as protocols for investigating the function and mechanical properties of microtubules and intermediate filaments, and more. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Optical Tweezers: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal resource for expanding the accessibility and use of optical traps by scientists of diverse disciplines.

The first generation of surgical robots are already being installed in a number of operating rooms around the world. Robotics is being introduced to medicine because it allows for unprecedented control and precision of surgical instruments in minimally invasive procedures. So far, robots have been used to position an endoscope, perform gallbladder surgery and correct gastroesophogeal reflux and heartburn. The ultimate goal of the robotic surgery field is to design a robot that can be used to perform closed-chest, beating-heart surgery. The use of robotics in surgery will expand over the next decades without any doubt. Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is a revolutionary approach in surgery. In MIS, the operation is performed with instruments and viewing equipment inserted into the body through small incisions created by the surgeon, in contrast to open surgery with large incisions. This minimizes surgical trauma and damage to healthy tissue, resulting in shorter patient recovery time. The aim of this book is to provide an overview of the state-of-art, to present new ideas, original results and practical experiences in this expanding area. Nevertheless, many chapters in the book concern advanced research on this growing area. The book provides critical analysis of clinical trials, assessment of the benefits and risks of the application of these technologies. This book is certainly a small sample of the research activity on Medical Robotics going on around the globe as you read it, but it surely covers a good deal of what has been done in the field recently, and as such it works as a valuable source for researchers interested in the involved subjects, whether they are currently “medical roboticists” or not.