The BioPhotonics Workstation: from university research to commercial prototype

I will outline the specifications of the compact BioPhotonics Workstation we recently have developed that utilizes high-speed spatial light modulation to generate an array of reconfigurable laser-traps making 3D real-time optical manipulation of advanced structures possible with the use of joysticks or gaming devices. The fabrication of microstructures with sub-micron features coupled with the real-time user-interactive optical control allows a user to robotically actuate appended structures depending on their intended function. These micro-platforms carrying sub-micron tools are seen to have potential uses in a variety of micro-biological experiments. Optically actuated needles may be functionalized or directly used to probe targeted cells at specific locations or assist the separation of dividing cells, among other functions that can be very useful for the group of microbiologists.