Integrated flow cytometer for on-line, real-time unlabeled bio detection in potable water

Quantifying and classifying biological particles (bacteria, viruses, and cells) in drinking water and on beaches is critical to human health and environmental safety. The optimal solution is an on-line, real-time detection system continuously monitoring water without calibration or other attention. This technology has been elusive. Lab-on-a-chip ("LOC") PCR DNA detectors are viable contenders, but are a long way off. Flow cytometry uses optical techniques to detect and classify cells as they flow past in an on-line stream and integrates the cumulative signal to the desired detection level without pre-concentrators (another technology that is some time off). Translume's ability to write optical waveguides and complex microfluidic channels in a glass monolith enables a compact and robust micro flow cytometer (MFC), reducing this complex and delicate instrument into a simple single-piece unit. The MFC will address sample preparation, pre-concentration, and process time, all significant difficulties facing on-line water monitoring systems. Translume proposes to design and prototype an MFC in a single block of glass to determine the viability of this approach to yield a robust and field-deployable device for on-line water monitoring.