Single-Particle Analysis with In-Plane Nanofluidic Devices

We are developing integrated micro- and nanofluidic devices to probe individual nanoscale particles, e.g., virus capsids, liposomes, and extracellular vesicles, with improved spatial and temporal resolution. To develop these measurement systems, we design in-plane architectures into which a range of functions can be integrated, e.g., mixers, reactors, filters, pores, and lenses. To characterize individual nanoscale particles, we use resistive-pulse sensing as a label-free, nondestructive technique. Multiple pores in series lead to higher resolution particle-size and zeta-potential measurements. To improve temporal response, reactions are coupled directly with particle-size measurements. With these integrated nanofluidic devices, we can probe assembly and disassembly processes of virus-like particles over a range of reaction conditions. Moreover, these in-plane devices are easily coupled with fluorescence lifetime measurements to extract additional information from particles, such as liposomes.