Cytobots: intracellular robotic micromanipulators

Abstract

A cytobot is an intracellular robotic micromanipulator, a microfabricated device small enough to be introduced into a cell. Control for a cytobot can be accomplished using three mutually perpendicular sequential magnetic control systems along with an electromechanical stepper microscope stage. Control depends on viscous damping within the cell. The design and fabrication techniques are discussed and the processing techniques used in the fabrication of cytobots highlighted. Fabrication of various magnetic cytobots are then illustrated namely, a chisel, a "circular" saw blade, a "fishing" hook; a cuff for fibers, a box to confine an organelle, and an aspirator, and the functionality of these devices is explained. In order for the cytobot to get into the cell, it must be injected with a small needle, or since the majority of the structure is a magnet, it could be fired in ballisticly like a magnetic bullet. Once introduced into an embryonic cell one can continuously manipulate one cell of the developing organism as cell division proceeds. We also discuss the possibility of making such devices small enough to enter the cell nucleus, i.e., karyobots.