SYLLABUS

GS-3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have developed a novel dual-trap optical tweezers system to boost research in biology, medicine, and nanoscience.

More on the News

• Optical tweezers, awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, are used to trap and manipulate microscopic particles.
• Advanced dual-trap optical tweezers offer a more precise and versatile tool for manipulating single biomolecules and small particles.
• This innovation by Indian researchers makes optical tweezer technology more accessible and versatile, enabling precise biological and medical research.
• The team introduced a confocal detection scheme, where each detector monitors only the light scattered back from its own trap, eliminating interference.

Key Features of the New Design  

• Eliminates cross-talk and interference, allowing independent and accurate measurements without the need for separate lasers or complex optics.
• Stable alignment and long-duration performance, maintaining precision even when traps are moved or under changing temperatures.
• Compatible with advanced imaging techniques like fluorescence and phase contrast without requiring modifications.
• Compact and modular design can be easily integrated into standard microscopes.

Advantages over Traditional Systems

• Conventional systems suffer from interference and require complex realignment; the RRI system maintains alignment and accuracy even during trap movement.
• Unlike older designs, it does not disrupt microscope components, improving versatility.
• Provides a cost-effective solution, reducing downtime and setup complexity.

Applications and Future Prospects

• Enables high-precision force measurement studies of biomolecules.
• Useful for probing soft materials and biological samples with greater accuracy.
• Supports micromanipulation of cells and biomolecules for advanced biomedical and drug development research.
• Makes advanced tools more accessible to Indian scientists, strengthening research in neuroscience, nanoscience, and biotechnology.
• Has strong potential for patent protection and commercialization as a plug-and-play module for commercial microscopes.

Sources
PIB
Nature
DD News