An application of optical tweezers

Abstract

Oxycyte is a perfluorocarbon-based material that can mimic the oxygen carrying
capabilities of hemoglobin and is in the testing stages of acting for use as a blood substitute.
However, a problem associated with using Oxycyte as a blood substitute is that it clumps
together too easily and does not coagulate. An approach for studying the problem uses optical
tweezers to help model the forces between Oxycyte particles. Elements of optical tweezers,
including laser beams, microscopes, and operation by trapping particles with light will be
outlined. An experimental system created to study the forces between particles is presented.
Experimental issues and successes will be discussed, along with further research that can be done
using the proposed system.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Steven W. Daniels (Supervisor)