High throughput label free nanoparticle detection and size assay
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJean-Luc Fraikin, Andrew N. Cleland
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Abstract
The present invention reports a novel microfluidic analyzer for the high-throughput, label-free measurement of particles suspended in a fluid. The present invention employs the resistive pulse technique (RPT) which affords very high electrical bandwidth for the device, which surpasses that of currently available systems and devices. Further, devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated with very simple microfabrication technologies, making the present invention more cost efficient and easier to manufacture than currently available devices.
Claims16
An apparatus for detecting particles in a fluid, comprising:
- a first electrode;
- a sensing electrode;
- a fluid resistor between the first electrode and the sensing electrode;
- a second electrode;
- and
- a constriction between the sensing electrode and the second electrode, wherein a bias voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to create a current through the fluid, such that a size and a number of a particle is sensed by a change in voltage sensed at the sensing electrode.
A method of detecting particles in a fluid, comprising:
- applying a bias voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode;
- filtering the fluid prior to entering any smaller constrictions;
- restricting the fluid in a constriction between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- and
- sensing a change in voltage at a point between the constriction and the second electrode, wherein the change in voltage is proportional to a volume filling fraction of a particle in the constriction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.