• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.353-362
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• 2005

This article describes a state-of-the art review in nano-biomanipulation technologies. Nanomanipulation of biological objects enables an in-depth study of single molecules such as DNA and RNA, and of biophysical events at the molecular level like molecular motors. Controlled nanomanipulation is challenging but essential for precisely engineering biomolecules or cells and for manufacturing functional nano-biosystems. In this paper, we summarize several contact, non-contact and hybrid methods available for nanomanipulation of biological objects. Advantages currently available methods and their limitations are also compared. Finally, we discuss possible applications of nano-biomanipulation technologies to life science and molecular medicine including cell biology, genetic engineering, biophysics, and biochemistry.