Short description:

The techniques and tools used to understand many biological problems must be able to handle biological material without damaging or altering its natural state. This book assesses various micro and nano techniques currently available to handle these materials. It shows how the techniques can effectively manipulate biological samples, and highlights the advantages and shortcomings of each. The authors also help readers understand how the manipulation tools work and how to determine the appropriate tool for their needs.

Long description:

Several micro- and nanomanipulation techniques have emerged in recent decades thanks to advances in micro- and nanofabrication. For instance, the atomic force microscope (AFM) uses a nano-sized tip to image, push, pull, cut, and indent biological material in air, liquid, or vacuum. Using micro- and nanofabrication techniques, scientists can make manipulation tools, such as microgrippers and nanotweezers, on the same length scale as the biological samples.

Micro and Nano Techniques for the Handling of Biological Samples reviews the different techniques available to manipulate and integrate biological materials in a controlled manner, either by sliding them along a surface (2-D manipulation), or by gripping and moving them to a new position (3-D manipulation). The advantages and drawbacks are mentioned together with examples that reflect the state-of-the-art in manipulation techniques for biological samples.

Thanks to the advances in micro- and nanomanipulation techniques, the integration of biomaterials with physical transducers has been possible, giving rise to new and highly sensitive biosensing devices. Although great progress has been made, challenges are still present. To understand the complex interactions between and inside biological samples, scientists will always be working on improving technologies to manipulate, transport, sort, and integrate samples in different environments. Balanced between simplicity for the beginner and hardcore theory for the more advanced readers, this book is the ideal launching point for sharpening the scientific tools required to address these challenges.

"Written as a multi-authored text by pioneers and specialists in their respective research fields, this timely monograph is not only an exhaustive and updated compilation of bibliography related to micro and nano techniques in use for efficient manipulation and integration of biological materials, but also a practical guide for all those interested in their direct application to practical studies. This book is an ideal text for academics, physicians and scientists working in this interesting and promising research area, but is also suitable for newcomers trying to obtain a general but complete overview of the subject."
?Chromatographia, (2013) 76:299?300

Table of Contents:

Interfacing Biological Material with Micro- and Nanodevices. Atomic Force Microscopy for Liquid Applications. Manipulation by Electrical Fields. Optical Manipulation Techniques. Ultrasonic Manipulation Techniques. 3D Biomanipulation Using Microgrippers. Magnetic Manipulation of Biological Structures. Microfluidic Manipulation of Biological Samples.