Real-time sizing of nanoparticles in microfluidic channels using confocal correlation spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate nanoparticle sizing is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Existing methods for nanoparticle characterization often require large sample volumes or are limited to fluorescently labeled particles.
• Microfluidic systems offer advantages for high-throughput and low-volume analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the capability of confocal correlation spectroscopy (CCS) for real-time nanoparticle sizing within microfluidic devices.
• To validate CCS for measuring both fluorescent and nonfluorescent particles.
• To assess the performance of CCS at low concentrations and in small sample volumes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized confocal correlation spectroscopy (CCS) integrated with microfluidic systems.
• Applied CCS to measure the hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles.
• Explored both fluorescent and nonfluorescent detection modes.

Main Results:

• Achieved real-time sizing of nanoparticles in microfluidic channels.
• Demonstrated successful size determination for both fluorescent and nonfluorescent nanoparticles.
• Showcased the ability of CCS to analyze samples at concentrations below nanomolar and volumes below femtoliters.

Conclusions:

• Confocal correlation spectroscopy (CCS) is a powerful technique for real-time nanoparticle characterization in microfluidic systems.
• CCS offers a versatile solution for sizing both fluorescent and nonfluorescent particles, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.
• The technique's sensitivity and low-volume requirements suggest broad applicability in nanoparticle and macromolecule analysis.