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Nanoparticle and microorganism detection with a side-micron-orifice-based resistive pulse sensor
Yongxin Song1, Tong Zhou, Qinxin Liu
1Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China.
The Analyst
|June 25, 2020
Summary
A new side-orifice-based resistive pulse sensor (SO-RPS) detects nanoparticles and microorganisms. This sensor differentiates particles and microbes based on signal patterns, offering improved sensitivity and clog resistance.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Resistive pulse sensing (RPS) is a technique for particle detection.
- Existing RPS methods can face challenges with orifice clogging and flow resistance, especially with heterogeneous samples.
- Developing sensitive and selective methods for simultaneous detection of nanoparticles and microorganisms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel side-orifice-based resistive pulse sensor (SO-RPS) for detecting nanoparticles and microorganisms.
- To assess the impact of channel height on sensor sensitivity.
- To demonstrate the capability of SO-RPS in differentiating between various types of particles and microbes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a side-orifice-based resistive pulse sensor (SO-RPS) with adjustable channel height.
- Tested the sensor with 100 nm polystyrene particles, bacteria, and two types of algae.
- Analyzed signal magnitude and signal width to differentiate between detected entities.
- Quantified signal to noise ratio (S/N) for sensitivity assessment.
Main Results:
- Decreasing the channel height of the SO-RPS significantly increased detection sensitivity.
- An average signal to noise ratio (S/N) of approximately 3 was achieved for 100 nm polystyrene particles.
- Spherical particles produced symmetrical signals, while irregular-shaped algae generated complex signal patterns.
- A scatter plot of signal magnitude versus signal width effectively differentiated bacteria from nanoparticles and algae.
Conclusions:
- The SO-RPS demonstrates enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for detecting heterogeneous nanoparticles and microorganisms.
- The sensor's design, featuring a side orifice, mitigates issues of orifice clogging and high flow resistance.
- SO-RPS offers a reliable method for distinguishing between different types of particles and biological entities based on their electrical signatures.
