Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing surface properties of particles are provided. A method for analyzing the surface properties of the particle includes a associating a first particle with a first capture zone having a specific binding affinity for a first chemical species, applying an optical force to the first particle, sensing a response of the first particle to the optical force, and using the sensed response to determine the presence, absence or quantity of the first chemical species on the first particle surface. This process may be repeated in parallel to test multiple particles. In addition to directly testing the surface properties of the particles, the method can be used in direct, indirect and competitive assays to determine the presence, absence or quantity of free or immobilized analytes. A fluidic cartridge with capture zones having avidities that are tuned for the use of optical forces is provided. A software routine for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing surface properties of particles are provided. A method for analyzing the surface properties of the particle includes a associating a first particle with a first capture zone having a specific binding affinity for a first chemical species, applying an optical force to the first particle, sensing a response of the first particle to the optical force, and using the sensed response to determine the presence, absence or quantity of the first chemical species on the first particle surface. This process may be repeated in parallel to test multiple particles. In addition to directly testing the surface properties of the particles, the method can be used in direct, indirect and competitive assays to determine the presence, absence or quantity of free or immobilized analytes. A fluidic cartridge with capture zones having avidities that are tuned for the use of optical forces is provided. A software routine for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for the sorting of particles in a fluid medium flowing within a liquid-core waveguide, by combining customized light intensity patterns formed inside the waveguide, and diluting the suspension of particles (i.e., cells, blood, nanoparticles, etc.) flowing within the fluid medium of the waveguide. With this customized light intensity pattern, which controls the optical forces introduced by the light confined within the waveguide, and the control of the hydrodynamic forces introduced by the liquid flow (or multiple channel liquid flows), the sorting of particles can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic. The trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for the sorting of particles in a fluid medium flowing within a liquid-core waveguide, by combining customized light intensity patterns formed inside the waveguide, and diluting the suspension of particles (i.e., cells, blood, nanoparticles, etc.) flowing within the fluid medium of the waveguide. With this customized light intensity pattern, which controls the optical forces introduced by the light confined within the waveguide, and the control of the hydrodynamic forces introduced by the liquid flow (or multiple channel liquid flows), the sorting of particles can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a forensic sample using an automated extraction and purification system includes optical tweezers; an input channel through which the sample is introduced; a chamber which receives the sample from the input channel; a collection channel through which selected particles of the sample are removed; and an output through which unselected particles of the sample are removed. At least one buffer input channel is provided. The input channel may allow sedimentation of the sample into the chamber by gravity. In another arrangement, the system includes an optical trapping system; a first channel through which the sample is introduced; a second channel through which buffer is introduced; wherein the optical tweezers are used to move selected particles of the sample from the first channel to the second channel. The selected particles may be sperm. The optical tweezers preferably utilize holographic optical trapping.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.