A Simple Flow Chamber for Hydraulic Manipulation of Individual Cells

Abstract

During an investigation of the physical properties of cell membranes it became necessary to study the mobility of specific points on the red cell membrane. Micromanipulation proved both expensive and cumbersome. Furthermore the micropipettes obstructed the view. Since red cells attach spontaneously to a glass surface the option presented itself of keeping a single point on the cell membrane stationary (the attachment point) while manipulating the cell body hydraulically. Unlike micromanipulators the fluid movement does not impair vision, hence optimal optics obtain and with a suitable flow chamber very precise control of cell movement was possible.