Development of 3D-printerdmanipulators with topology optimization for handling biological samples

Abstract

In this study, a force controllable micro-tweezers were additively fabricated on a glass micro-capillary using a laboratory-made microstereolithography system. The micro-tweezers were designed using topology optimization to minimize the load to operate the micro-tweezers. Micro-tweezers are operated by a drive shaft passed through the glass capillary. The displacement of about 140 μm at the tip of the tweezers was confirmed by pushing the bottom part of the tweezers. The micro-tweezers were used to grip a hair follicle germ. The force-controlled micro-tweezers make it possible to extract the targeted cells without harmful damage as a useful microtool in biological research.