Opto-fluidic Nanoparticle Detector

 

 

SUMMARY

Lehigh University has developed a device for optical detection and identification of nanoparticles in fluids in real time. The device can be used to analyze natural or synthetic particles. This technology can provide enhanced detection sensitivity. As an example, for 100 nm particles this method can have up to 1000 folds of enhancement in detectability. The invention effectively combines the capabilities of column separation and spectrometers in a single technological platform.

 

A prototype has been tested using non-biological particles and another prototype is being installed in bio-safety hood to test its capability for pseudo virus particles. A patent application, WO2009108921A2, has been filed for this technology.

 

Lehigh Tech ID#021009-01

 

THE MARKET

Nanoparticle detectors can be used in point of care (POC) diagnostics and other real time detection systems in utilities and industry. As of 2009, the global POC diagnostics market was sized at $13.4 billion. By 2014, the POC diagnostics market is expected to reach $18.7 billion growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7%. [1] In 2006, the U.S. aqueous analytical instrumentation market was sized at $303.4 million. By 2013, the market is expected to reach $427.3 million growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5%. This detector can also be used to monitor stability of colloids in paints and other industrial applications.   

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lehigh University is interested in licensing this technology.    

 

[1] “Point of Care Diagnostics.” BCC Research web site. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/HLC043B.html (accessed September 23, 2010).

 

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SUMMARY

Lehigh University has developed a device for optical detection and identification of nanoparticles in fluids in real time. The device can be used to analyze natural or synthetic particles. This technology can provide enhanced detection sensitivity. As an example, for 100 nm particles this method can have up to 1000 folds of enhancement in detectability. The invention effectively combines the capabilities of column separation and spectrometers in a single technological platform.

 

A prototype has been tested using non-biological particles and another prototype is being installed in bio-safety hood to test its capability for pseudo virus particles. A patent application, WO2009108921A2, has been filed for this technology.

 

Lehigh Tech ID#021009-01

 

THE MARKET

Nanoparticle detectors can be used in point of care (POC) diagnostics and other real time detection systems in utilities and industry. As of 2009, the global POC diagnostics market was sized at $13.4 billion. By 2014, the POC diagnostics market is expected to reach $18.7 billion growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7%. [1] In 2006, the U.S. aqueous analytical instrumentation market was sized at $303.4 million. By 2013, the market is expected to reach $427.3 million growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5%. This detector can also be used to monitor stability of colloids in paints and other industrial applications.   

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lehigh University is interested in licensing this technology.    

 

[1] “Point of Care Diagnostics.” BCC Research web site. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/HLC043B.html (accessed September 23, 2010).

 

App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date
Utility United States 12/920,262 8,537,356 8/20/2010 9/17/2013 1/13/2030
For Information, Contact:
Rick Smith
Director
Lehigh University
res419@lehigh.edu
Inventors:
Daniel Ou-Yang
Xuanhong Cheng
Keywords:
Microfiltration
Microfluidics
Nanofiltration
Optical Bottles
Optical Traps
POC
Point-of-Care
Virus