Nanoscale optomechanical actuators for controlling mechanotransduction in living cells.

ABSTRACT: To control receptor tension optically at the cell surface, we developed an approach involving optomechanical actuator nanoparticles that are controlled with near-infrared light. Illumination leads to particle collapse, delivering piconewton forces to specific cell surface receptors with high spatial and temporal resolution. We demonstrate optomechanical actuation by controlling integrin-based focal adhesion formation, cell protrusion and migration, and T cell receptor activation.

SUBMITTER: Liu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4732909 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature