Cell stimulation by focused electron beam of atmospheric SEM

Highlights: • Cell stimulation in several tens of nanometers by electron beam was performed. • Calcium wave of HeLa cell was generated. • Electron dose dependence of Ca${}^{2+}$ signal generation probability was examined. -- Abstract: Cell stimulation has been performed with a focused electron beam. To protect the live cells from the vacuum environment of the electron beam, the beam irradiated the ambient cells via a thin film. In this way, the cells were electrically stimulated with nanometre resolution in a non-contact process. The response of calcium ion concentration in a single HeLa cell after electron beam irradiation was examined. This technique has the potential to stimulate single ion channels, granules, and organelles.