Motile cell galvanotaxis control using high-speed tracking system

Abstract

We propose a control system of motile cells. Our goal is to construct a large-scale Organized Bio-Modules (OBM) in which microorganisms are controlled as micro-size smart robots in an organized way. For the first step, we have developed a visual feedback control system of Paramecium caudatum cells. Tracking method is used for observation of moving cells with high magnification. Cells swim in a chamber and their positions are measured by high-speed vision. The chamber position is visually controlled to track a specific cell. The cell motion is controlled electrically by utilizing the galvanotaxis (intrinsic reaction to electrical stimulus) of microorganisms. Experimental results of region-trapping demonstrate the possibility of the OBM system.