Moving Objects with Soundwaves: A Breakthrough in Biomedical Applications

Imagine being able to guide a tiny object, like a cell, through the human body without touching it or causing any harm. This may seem like science fiction, but researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have made a significant breakthrough in developing a method that uses soundwaves to move objects in water with precision. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize biomedical applications, such as non-invasive targeted drug delivery.

The concept of using soundwaves to manipulate objects is not new. In 2018, Arthur Ashkin was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his invention of optical tweezers, which use laser beams to move microscopic particles. However, these tweezers require highly controlled conditions to function effectively. The EPFL researchers, led by Romain Fleury, have taken a different approach by using soundwaves to manipulate objects in unpredictable, dynamic settings.

The team’s method, called wave momentum shaping, is inspired by the principle of momentum conservation. It works by emitting soundwaves from a speaker array, which gently push an object along a predetermined path. The soundwaves are adjusted in real-time based on feedback from microphones that capture the interaction between the soundwaves and the object. This approach is simple, promising, and versatile, allowing researchers to move not only spherical objects but also complex floaters like an origami lotus.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of their method, the researchers conducted experiments using a floating ping-pong ball in a water tank. They successfully guided the ball around stationary and moving obstacles, showcasing the ability of wave momentum shaping to work in dynamic environments. Fleury emphasizes that soundwaves are a highly promising tool for biomedical applications due to their non-invasive and harmless nature.

The potential applications of this method are vast and exciting. For instance, it could be used to push a drug directly towards tumor cells, reducing the risk of damage or contamination. The technique also has the potential to revolutionize biological analysis and tissue engineering by allowing researchers to manipulate cells without physically touching them.

The researchers’ next aim is to transition their experiments from the macro-scale to the micro-scale, using ultrasonic waves to precisely manipulate cells under a microscope. With funding secured, they are poised to make significant progress in this area.

This breakthrough has the potential to transform the field of biomedical research, enabling researchers to manipulate cells and objects with precision and accuracy. The possibilities are endless, and the future of this technology is bright.

Historical Context:

The concept of using soundwaves to manipulate objects is not new, dating back to the 1970s when scientists first demonstrated the ability to trap and move particles using soundwaves. However, the Nobel Prize-winning invention of optical tweezers in 2018 by Arthur Ashkin marked a significant milestone in the field. Optical tweezers use laser beams to move microscopic particles, but they require highly controlled conditions to function effectively. The EPFL researchers’ approach, using soundwaves to manipulate objects in unpredictable, dynamic settings, is a new and innovative development.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a method called wave momentum shaping that uses soundwaves to move objects in water with precision. • The method works by emitting soundwaves from a speaker array, which gently push an object along a predetermined path, and adjusting the soundwaves in real-time based on feedback from microphones. • The approach is simple, promising, and versatile, allowing researchers to move not only spherical objects but also complex floaters like an origami lotus. • The method has the potential to revolutionize biomedical applications, such as non-invasive targeted drug delivery, biological analysis, and tissue engineering. • The technique could be used to push a drug directly towards tumor cells, reducing the risk of damage or contamination. • The researchers aim to transition their experiments from the macro-scale to the micro-scale, using ultrasonic waves to precisely manipulate cells under a microscope. • The breakthrough has the potential to transform the field of biomedical research, enabling researchers to manipulate cells and objects with precision and accuracy. • The possibilities are endless, and the future of this technology is bright.