Preparation of DNA Gel Microbeads and Mechanical Characterization by MEMS Tweezers

This paper addresses the mechanical characterization of DNA gel beads using MEMS tweezers. DNA gel beads were generated, and the optimal size conditions for measurement with MEMS tweezers were found. To prevent the aggregation of DNA gel beads, we examined adding surfactants to the gel beads solution. Then, their stiffness was measured. The estimated average stiffness of the DNA gel beads was 0.036 N/m, and the standard deviation was 0.002 N/m at the gel beads’ size of 10.5-14.5 µm. However, the relationship between the diameter of the gel bead and stiffness should be further investigated.