Scientists at the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) have designed a new device to identify and analyze single nanoparticles of the order of a few tens of nanometers. The study was recorded in Nature Nanotechnology.
Optical microscope image of the microfluidic channel (light pattern) and sensing electrode (gold) of the analyzer. Nanoparticles suspended in a fluid flow through the channel and are detected individually as they pass through the sensing volume.
The key author of the study, Jean-Luc Fraikin, stated that this instrument can be suitable for a wide range of applications required for studying nanoparticles. Dr Fraikin added that the new technology can be used in pharmaceutical development, water analysis and development in the biomedical field. The device was designed by collaborating with the team belonging to the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at UCSB.
The instrument detects nanoparticles present in fluid as they flow through it at a speed of half a million particles per second. Dr. Fraikin compares the performance of the instrument with a nanoscale turnstile, which can be used to measure and count  particles as they flow through the instrument’s electronic eye. The device records the volume of individual nanoparticle, thus enabling very accurate and quick size analysis of complex mixtures. This analysis method is extremely useful in collecting the nanoparticle characterization data required to get regulatory sanction for nanoparticle-enabled therapeutics and anticancer agents. In addition, the researchers demonstrated that the device could identify bacterial virus in mouse blood plasma and saline solution.
The researchers also found a high concentration of nanoparticles in the native blood plasma. These particles feature a unique size distribution, with high particle concentration when diameter of the particle was of the order of 30 to 40 nm.