A method and system of measuring the size distribution of particles within dilute colloids, for example, through variation of the minimum ice-nucleation sizes of particles within the colloid. The system for measuring particles in fluids includes, a sample fluid inlet and an ice nuclei counter communicatively connected to the sample fluid inlet, the ice nuclei counter cooling the sample fluid and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid. The method for measuring particles in fluid includes the steps of providing a sample fluid, cooling the sample fluid, and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for real-time continuous measurement of airborne microorganisms including a body unit, a vaporization unit, a liquefaction unit, a coating unit, and a measurement unit. The body unit has an inlet through which airborne microorganisms are introduced and an outlet through which airborne microorganisms are discharged. The vaporization unit vaporizes a lysis solution and supplies the vaporized lysis solution to the inside of the body unit. The liquefaction unit cools the vaporized lysis solution to condense the vaporized lysis solution on the surfaces of the airborne microorganisms. The coating unit applies a light-emitting agent onto the airborne microorganisms lysed by the lysis solution. The measurement unit detects the intensity of light generated by reacting the airborne microorganisms and the light-emitting agent and measures the concentration of the airborne microorganisms.

Cap arrangements for per-well fluidics and gas exchange for microplate, microtiter, and microarray technologies are presented for use with cell cultures or other applications. In example implementations, each individual well within in a conventional or specialized microplate can be fully or partially isolated with capping or other arrangements which can include conduits for controlled introduction, removal, and/or exchange of fluids and/or gases. Conduit networks can include small controllable valves that operate under software control, and micro-scale pumps can also be included. Conduit interconnections can include one or more of controllable-valve distribution buses, next-neighbor interconnections, and other active or passive interconnection topologies. Cap arrangements within the lid can include or provide one or more sensors of various types, including but not limited to selective gas sensors, chemical sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, biosensors, immunosensors, molecular-imprint sensors, optical sensors, fluorescence sensors, bioFETS, etc. Incubator interfacing and imaging are described.

A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.

The present invention is a cuvette assembly for use in optically measuring at least one characteristic of particles within a plurality of liquid samples. The cuvette assembly includes a unitary body made of a single type of transparent material. The unitary body includes a plurality of optical chambers for receiving the liquid sample, an entry side wall for allowing transmission of an input light beam into the respective liquid sample, and an exit side wall for transmitting a forward scatter signal caused by the particles within the respective liquid sample. Each of the plurality of optical chambers is separated by internal walls of the unitary body.

Provided is a device for detecting airborne particulate matter in aerosols, comprising: an air sampler to collect a sample of airborne particles suspended in air; an optical sensor; a controller; a fluidic apparatus to, under the control of the controller: capture, from the air sampler, and resuspend in a liquid medium, at least part of the airborne particles of the sample; and deliver the resuspended airborne particles to the optical sensor, which is configured to detect airborne particulate matter in the delivered airborne particles.

Also provided is a method adapted to use the device of the invention, and to a computer program product adapted to implement the method of the invention.

Calibrated particle analysis apparatus and method are provided. In the calibrated particle analysis apparatus, a gas exchange device and several flow controllers are disposed in front of a particle analyzer. Therefore, when the calibrated particle analysis apparatus is used, gases of a sample can be exchanged with a carrier gas suggested to be used with the particle analyzer. Hence, the accuracy of analyzing the particles can be increased, and possible hazards from dangerous or toxic materials can be avoided.

Embodiments may include a virumeter for rapid detection of COVID-19 infection and assessment of immunity to the virus. For example, a device for detecting primary antibodies to a pathogen or the pathogen may comprise a cartridge to receive a test sample from the person, the cartridge comprising at least one chamber to receive the test sample, first apparatus to mix at least one first reagent reactive to presence of the primary antibodies to the pathogen or the pathogen, second apparatus to mix at least one second reagent including a fluorescent compound with the test sample reactive to presence of the at least one first reagent having reacted to presence of the primary antibodies to the pathogen or the pathogen, and circuitry to determine presence of primary antibodies to the pathogen or the pathogen by detecting reaction of the second reagent by determining fluorescence of the fluorescent compound.

A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.

A system for analyzing a chemosensor that includes a light source directed at a chemosensor, and a spectrometer arranged to detect a signal from the light source after passing through the chemosensor. The spectrometer includes signal conditioning electronics and spectral decomposition software which allows the spectrometer to perform a spectral analysis in order to identify, in real time, one or more heavy metals in a continuous flow of water interacting with one or more dyes on the chemosensor.