Patterning of microspheres and microbubbles in an acoustic tweezers.

We describe the construction of an ultrasonic device capable of micro-patterning a range of microscopic particles for bioengineering applications such as targeted drug delivery. The device is formed from seven ultrasonic transducers positioned around a heptagonal cavity. By exciting two or three transducers simultaneously, lines or hexagonal shapes can be formed with microspheres, emulsions and microbubbles. Furthermore, phase control of the transducers allows patterning at any desired position in a controlled manner. The paper discusses in detail direct positioning of functionalised microspheres, emulsions and microbubbles. With the advantages of miniaturization, rapid and simple fabrication, ultrasonic tweezers is a potentially useful tool in many biomedical applications.

Direct patterning of mammalian cells in an ultrasonic heptagon stencil.

We describe the construction of a ultrasonic device suitable for micro patterning particles and cells for tissue engineering applications. The device is formed by seven transducers shaped into a heptagon cavity. By exciting two and three transducers simultaneously, lines or hexagonal shapes can be formed with beads and cells. Furthermore, phase control of the transducers allows shifting the standing waves and thus patterning at different positions on a surface in a controlled manner. The paper discusses direct patterning of mammalian cells by ultrasound "stencil".