Abstract
In this work, we proposed a new method using optically-induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) and optically-induced localized electric field (OILEF) to realize precise cellpairing and cell fusion automatically on a structure-free optoelectronic device. 'Virtual' electrodes, which were generated by specially designed light patterns, were used for cell-pairing and cell fusion. After pairing cells by using ODEP force, light-induced localized electric field generated by light patterns could generate transmembrane potential at cell contact area such that cell fusion could be realized. This study demonstrated a new approach to achieve cell fusion by projecting simple light patterns without any microstructure, suggesting that this promising technique could automatically conduct massive cell fusion within a group of cells in the near future.