Abstract
In this paper, we fabricate and evaluate new probe device which can realize handling of micro objects using thermal gel. In general, probe devices are one of the important devices for micro manipulation. However, conventional probe devices have some problems: damage to the manipulated objects and difficulty to release the handled objects by the surface force. As one solution of these problems, we proposed "soft handling probe". The probe has an electrode and the thermoresponsive polymer can be gelled when a current is applied to the electrode. The assembly of three dimensional structures was demonstrated by the probe. The grasping force by the probe was measured using AFM cantilever. The handling of yeast cell and liposome were also realized by the probe. It is expected that the probe can realize the soft handling by the thermal gel and realize the precise positioning by reducing the effect of surface force.
