Optoelectronic cell lysis

In this paper we show how the electrical lysis of cells can be controlled through the use of an optoelectronic device and describe how the lysis is affected by the size and shape of the cell as well as the geometry of the device and the light patterns used. By selectively illuminating a photoconductor "virtual electrodes" are created allowing the precise control of electrical fields onto the cell within the device, electrically rupturing their membranes and allowing access to intracellular contents. We examine this optically controlled electrical lysis method and discuss its advantages as a sample preparation technique.