Despite advancements in Lab-on-a-Chip technology, the mechanical manipulation of live cells without harming their membranes remains a significant challenge. This limitation restricts the application of modern bioelectronic and microfluidic systems. When cultivating organoids, it is crucial to arrange stem cell clusters in precise configurations, as the initial positioning affects the structure of the future organ model. Additionally, neuronal organoids require fixation for extended periods while axonal connections form, necessitating careful monitoring of chemical responses without disturbing the samples. In personalized medicine, the focus shifts to testing drugs on cells from specific patients, which must be done efficiently and simultaneously. Each transfer between devices poses a risk of losing precious material. Researchers from ETH Zurich have proposed a solution: a CMOS chip equipped with integrated micro-grippers that eliminate the limitations of contactless cell manipulation methods. This innovative system was showcased at the ISSCC conference in February 2026. This article will explore the operational principles of the actuators and the analytical capabilities of the platform.
Capturing Cells Without Damage: The Mechanics of CMOS Chips with Micro-Grippers
The challenge of manipulating live cells without damaging their membranes has hindered advancements in bioelectronics and microfluidics. A new CMOS chip design aims to address this issue.
3 min readTechnology