Integrated In-Plane Nanofluidic Devices for Resistive-Pulse Sensing

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Biological systems are often governed by rare events, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• Understanding cellular heterogeneity is crucial for biological research and disease diagnostics.
• Existing single-particle measurement techniques have limitations in sensitivity and heterogeneity analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance sensitivity and resolution in single-particle measurements.
• To develop integrated micro- and nanofluidic devices for advanced particle analysis.
• To explore the potential of resistive-pulse sensing combined with functional elements for biological applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resistive-pulse sensing as a label-free, single-particle detection technique.
• Designed and fabricated in-plane micro- and nanofluidic devices with various functional elements (mixers, reactors, filters, pores).
• Integrated multiple nanopores in series for enhanced precision in particle characterization.

Main Results:

• Achieved 10- to 100-fold improvement in measurement sensitivity.
• Successfully uncovered cellular heterogeneity, detecting one event in 100 to 10,000.
• Demonstrated higher-precision measurements of particle size, shape, and charge using serial nanopores.
• Showcased compatibility with other detection methods like fluorescence.

Conclusions:

• Integrated in-plane nanofluidic devices significantly advance single-particle measurement capabilities.
• Resistive-pulse sensing coupled with advanced nanofluidics provides a powerful platform for studying rare biological events and population heterogeneity.
• These developments expand the analytical toolbox for high-sensitivity biological analysis.