Higher precision rotational manipulation of C. elegans by microchannel

Abstract

Rotation manipulation of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is presented for higher precision by a microchannel. The C. elegans was trapped within a biocompatible gel bead to rotate by a rotational motor. An alginate was used to form the gel bead. Without immobilization treatment by a sodium azide, the C. elegans moves during solidification of alginate. Then, a cavity was happened in the alginate gel bead. On the other hand, C. elegans was trapped without any cavity after immobilization treatment. The stopping and recovery motions of C. elegans were evaluated through the immobilization treatment experimentally. Finally, the eccentricity of rotational manipulation was evaluated with/without centering by a microchannel. The eccentricity was 35 % higher with the microchannel and high precision rotation was achieved at 0.03 degrees/step of actuator.