Optical diffusometry is a technique used for measuring diffusion. This work explores the possibility of directly measuring diffusion coefficients of submicron particles for pathogen detection. The diffusion coefficient of these particles is a function of the drag coefficient of the particle at constant temperatures. Particles introduced into a sample containing an analyte bind with the analyte if functionalized with the appropriate antibodies. This leads to an increase in the hydrodynamic drag of the particles and hence a decrease in their diffusion coefficient. This study uses the above principle to effectively measure the diffusion coefficient of the particles using two different experimental approaches. The measured reduction in the diffusion coefficient can be correlated to the amount of analyte present and thus forms the basis of biological agent detection. Sensitivity to experimental conditions is analyzed. It is observed that alternative techniques such as optical trapping hold promise: the diffusive behavior of particles in optical traps is found to be quantitatively different from that of a free particle. Hence preconditions are identified to make optical trapping appropriate for agent detection.
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November 2008
Research Papers
Optical Diffusometry Techniques and Applications in Biological Agent Detection
Aloke Kumar,
Aloke Kumar
School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Venu M. Gorti,
Venu M. Gorti
School of Mechanical Engineering,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Hao Shang,
Hao Shang
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Gil U. Lee,
Gil U. Lee
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Nung Kwan Yip,
Nung Kwan Yip
Department of Mathematics,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Steve T. Wereley
Steve T. Wereley
School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
e-mail: wereley@purdue.edu
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Search for other works by this author on:
Aloke Kumar
School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Venu M. Gorti
School of Mechanical Engineering,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Hao Shang
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Gil U. Lee
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Nung Kwan Yip
Department of Mathematics,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Steve T. Wereley
School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center,
Purdue University
, West Lafayette, IN 47907e-mail: wereley@purdue.edu
J. Fluids Eng. Nov 2008, 130(11): 111401 (8 pages)
Published Online: September 22, 2008
Article history
Received:
June 22, 2007
Revised:
June 11, 2008
Published:
September 22, 2008
Citation
Kumar, A., Gorti, V. M., Shang, H., Lee, G. U., Yip, N. K., and Wereley, S. T. (September 22, 2008). "Optical Diffusometry Techniques and Applications in Biological Agent Detection." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. November 2008; 130(11): 111401. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2969430
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