Low Voltage Microgripper for Single Cell Manipulation

In this work, we present the characterisation of an electrothermally actuated microgripper that operates in both dry and liquid media, and shows improved performance versus existing devices. The microgripper, fabricated in a combination of polymeric (SU8) and conductive materials (Au), is able to produce displacements up to 110 μm in air and 30 μm in liquid. In both cases, the voltage and the electrical power required is minimal (less than 3 V and 180 mW respectively) and so both, high temperatures and electrolysis, are prevented. Micromanipulation experiments have successfully demonstrated the gripping, holding and transport of mice oocytes (approx. diameter 100 μm) in a biological media.