Engineering approaches to biomanipulation

Abstract

This article presents a review on the existing techniques for manipulating biological cells. Because biomanipulation involves a wide range of disciplines, from biology to engineering, we concentrate on some of the key methodologies that would result in an efficient biomanipulation system. Some of the key methodologies discussed in this article for cell manipulation relate to the use of magnetics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based approaches, optics, electric field, and mechanical techniques. Recent advances in engineering have allowed researchers worldwide to address the problems arising from conventional manipulation techniques. This paper assimilates significance and limitations of biomanipulation techniques described in the literature.