Disclosed are devices and methods for performing biological and chemical assays, such as immunoassays and nucleic acid assays, more particularly a homogeneous assay that does not use a wash step by using the aggregation and de-aggregation processes of microparticles or nanoparticles.

The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.

The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.

Various embodiments include methods and systems to measure and calibrate an optical particle spectrometer for reporting mass concentration. In one embodiment, an optical particle spectrometer is used to measure a concentration of particulate matter in a sampled particle-laden airstream. A particle diverter, in fluid communication with the spectrometer, diverts at least a portion of the particle-laden airstream at predetermined intervals. In one example, a mass filter receives the portion of the particle-laden airstream and filters a fraction of the particles within the airstream that are above a predetermined particle size. A mass sensor measures a mass of the fraction of the particles received from the mass filter or from the particle diverter and uses a calibration communication loop to provide the measured mass to the spectrometer to apply a correction factor to report mass concentration from the optical particle spectrometer. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.

Various implementations, systems and methods are disclosed for continuous, near real-time, hands-off sampling of airborne particulate matter, and qualification and/or quantification of biomolecules in the sample representative for biologic or microbial contamination. The systems and methods may utilize an electrostatic precipitator for sampling the matter; and a measurement assembly configured to illuminate, excite, or breakdown the sampled matter by electromagnetic radiation, and to detect a spectrum, or one or more wavelength bands of the scatter emitted by the sample. In an exemplary implementation, a sputter deposition process is employed to configure the sample for an enhanced plasmon resonance. The measurement data may be transferred via wireless communication means for cloud storage and signal processing.

Methods and systems for capture object-based assays, including for determining a measure of the concentration of an analyte molecule or particle in a fluid sample, are described. The methods and systems may relate to high sensitivity detection of analytes, sometimes using assay conditions and sample handling that result in the capture and detection of a high percentage of the analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample using relatively few capture objects. Apparatuses and methods for immobilizing capture objects with respect to assay sites, in some instances with unexpectedly high efficiencies are also described. Some such apparatuses involve the use of force fields and fluid meniscus forces, alone or in combination, to facilitate or improve capture object immobilization. Also described are techniques for utilizing a relatively high percentage of capture objects in an assay sample, such as by using disclosed sample washing techniques, imaging systems, and analysis procedures that can reduce capture object loss.

A photonic aerosol particle sensor includes a microfluidic sensor chamber in which is disposed a plurality of photonic waveguide resonators each having a photonic waveguide on an underlying substrate, along a separate waveguide resonator path with a lateral width different than that of other photonic waveguide resonators. All waveguides in the plurality have a common vertical thickness of a common waveguide material having a refractive index that is larger than that of the underlying substrate material. An optical input connection couples light into the waveguide resonators. An aerosol particle input fluidically connected to the microfluidic chamber fluidically conveys aerosol particles to the chamber, and an aerosol particle output fluidically connected to the microfluidic chamber fluidically conveys aerosol particles out of the chamber. At least one optical output connection accepts light out of the plurality of photonic waveguide resonators to provide a signal indicative of at least one aerosol particle characteristic.

A method for collecting and delivering biological samples to a destination, such as an analyzer are provided herein. In one example, a plurality of samples, each including particles, is obtained from respective wells of a sample source having a plurality of wells. The plurality of samples are introduced into a fluid flow stream contained within a conduit having an inner diameter and in communication with a destination. An inner surface of the conduit is coated with a hydrogel barrier substance, such as poly-HEMA. The fluid flow stream is guided through the conduit to a destination. In one example, the destination may be a flow cytometer. Methods of preparing a poly-HEMA solution and coating the inner surface of a conduit with poly-HEMA are also provided.

The systems and methods provided herein relate generally to the prevention of migration of condensate in a condensation particle counter between components designed to handle condensate (e.g. saturator, condenser, condensate reservoir) and components which may be damaged by the condensate (e.g. detection and flow control devices).