Nanopore-based instrumentation has been developed for improved multi-parameter characterization of the physical properties of nano- and micro-sized particles. Accurate measurement, with individual particle resolution, of a range of biological and synthetic sample types, i.e. liposomes, PLGA, lipids, micelles, virus-like-particles, polymers, viruses, bacteria, protein-conjugates, exosomes, and vesicles will be presented.Particles are transported through a size-tunable pore via electric field and/or with pressure, for rapid and detailed determination of particle concentration (particles/mL for dosage), accurate size, aggregation levels, size distribution and relative surface charge distribution, all determined simultaneously.Experimental parameters are adjusted in real-time for mapping how different populations within particle mixtures respond to externally applied conditions for high-resolution and powerful analysis of particle physical properties and their dynamic behaviour, i.e. to assess the level of surface modification (PEG-lyation) of drug delivery carriers.The ability to individually interrogate each particle addresses the shortcomings of ensemble systems such as dynamic light-scattering and also of static systems using electron microscopy. This also enables the quantification of the dynamic behaviour of particle mixtures, such as aggregation and fragmentation of particles, and surface modification changes to particles.Research work utilizing tunable pore sensors in virus quantification, pathogen interaction dynamics, medical diagnostics and drug delivery systems are presented.
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