Resistive Pulse Particle Characterization Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing particles in fluid samples, particularly nanomaterials, are limited by the need for costly and low-throughput microscopy, inability to analyze particles in their natural environment, and lack of technologies for high-throughput measurement of shape properties and multimodal sample sets.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a microfluidic channel with first and second electrodes and a second particle sensor with a nanopore, capable of detecting particles through resistive pulse sensing, allowing for inline characterization of particle size, shape, and concentration with high-throughput processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microscopy (electron or optical) is used for particle characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to low throughput and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/electron microscopy with resistive pulse sensing technology. The RPS system uses electrical resistance measurements through a nanopore to detect and characterize particles, substituting the mechanical/optical detection system with an electrical sensing system that enables high-throughput analysis while maintaining particle characterization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical/electron signals to electrical resistance signals. By measuring changes in ionic current through a nanopore caused by particle translocation, the system converts physical particle properties into electrical signals that can be rapidly quantified, enabling both high precision and high throughput
2Ease of manufacture
If batch reactor analysis is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to infrequent sampling and limited inline monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous inline monitoring within the flow reactor using resistive pulse sensing. The nanopore sensor continuously detects particles in the fluid stream as they pass through the reaction zone, enabling real-time monitoring throughout the continuous flow process rather than intermittent batch sampling, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency while enabling high-throughput analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a nanopore sensor as an intermediary detection element within the flow reactor. This sensor acts as a mediator between the fluid stream and the detection system, allowing continuous sampling and analysis of particles in their natural environment without disrupting the continuous flow process
3Device complexity
If fixed range sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as they can only measure one type of material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, adjustable nanopore system where the pore size can be modified to match different particle sizes. The nanopore dimensions can be tuned (e.g., through fabrication variations or mechanical adjustment) to optimize detection for specific particle ranges, allowing a single sensor platform to adapt to various particle types while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, high-throughput characterization of particles in their natural environment, providing detailed information on size, shape, and concentration, and can handle multimodal sample sets, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
A particle sensor is provided which is configured to detect particles in a fluid sample. The passage of particles through the nanopore causes a change in ionic current which is recorded as a resistive pulse
Implementation Method 2
The passage of particles through the nanopore causes a change in ionic current which is recorded as a pulse
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a first particle sensor, a second particle sensor and a device for characterisation of one or more particles in a fluid sample comprising a first particle sensor and/or at least one second particle sensor. A method for characterising one or more particles in a fluid sample is also disclosed.