given 
 the heterogeneous nature of cultures , tumors , and tissues , 
 the ability to capture , contain , and analyze single cells is important 
 for genomics , proteomics , diagnostics , therapeutics , and surgery . 
 moreover , for surgical applications in small conduits in the body 
 such as in the cardiovascular system , there is a need for tiny tools 
 that approach the size of the single red blood cells that traverse 
 the blood vessels and capillaries . 
 we describe the fabrication of 
 arrayed or untethered single cell grippers composed of biocompatible 
 and bioresorbable silicon monoxide and silicon dioxide . 
 the energy 
 required to actuate these grippers is derived from the release of 
 residual stress in 327 nm thick films , did not require any 
 wires , tethers , or batteries , and resulted in folding angles over 
 100 with folding radii as small as 765 nm . 
 we developed and 
 applied a finite element model to predict these folding angles . 
 finally , 
 we demonstrated the capture of live mouse fibroblast cells in an array 
 of grippers and individual red blood cells in untethered grippers 
 which could be released from the substrate to illustrate the potential 
 utility for in vivo operations .