Measuring the mass, volume, and density of microgram-sized objects in fluid
Shirin Mesbah Oskui1, Heran C Bhakta1, Graciel Diamante2
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America, 92521.
Plos One
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed an affordable sensor to measure mass, volume, and density of tiny biological samples in liquid. This innovation offers new ways to study biological samples and materials across various scientific fields.
Area of Science:
- Physical chemistry
- Biophysics
- Materials science
Background:
- Measuring fundamental physical properties (mass, volume, density) is crucial for understanding object composition and state.
- Accurate measurement of these properties is challenging for biological samples in liquid environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible sensor for measuring mass, volume, and density of microgram-sized biological samples in their native liquid environment.
- To demonstrate the sensor's utility across diverse biological and material science applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simple glass tubing setup combined with inexpensive, off-the-shelf electronics.
- Designed a sensor capable of non-invasive, in-situ measurements of physical properties.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured mass changes in zebrafish embryos exposed to toxicants.
- Quantified density changes in seeds during rehydration and germination.
- Assessed degradation rates of biomaterials used in medical implants.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor provides a cost-effective solution for measuring key physical properties of biological samples in liquid.
- The sensor's versatility enables broad applications in developmental biology, toxicology, materials science, and plant science.
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