Nanoscale devices for online dielectric spectroscopy of biological cells

Selective detection of bacterial layers with terahertz plasmonic antennas

Current detection and identification of micro-organisms is based on either rather unspecific rapid microscopy or on more accurate but complex and time-consuming procedures. In a medical context, the determination of the bacteria Gram type is of significant interest. The diagnostic of microbial infection often requires the identification of the microbiological agent responsible for the infection, or at least the identification of its family (Gram type), in a matter of minutes. In this work, we propose to use terahertz frequency range antennas for the enhanced selective detection of bacteria types. Several microorganisms are investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy: a fast, contactless and damage-free investigation method to gain information on the presence and the nature of the microorganisms. We demonstrate that plasmonic antennas enhance the detection sensitivity for bacterial layers and allow the selective recognition of the Gram type of the bacteria.

Introduction A: recent advances in cytometry instrumentation, probes, and methods--review

Cytometric techniques are continually being improved, refined, and adapted to new applications. This chapter briefly outlines recent advances in the field of cytometry with the main focus on new instrumentations in flow and image cytometry as well as new probes suitable for multiparametric analyses. There is a remarkable trend for miniaturizing cytometers, developing label-free and fluorescence-free analytical approaches, and designing "intelligent" probes. Furthermore, new methods for analyzing complex data for extracting relevant information are reviewed.

Stem cells in microfluidics

With the introduction of microtechnology and microfluidic platforms for cell culture, stem cell research can be put into a new context. Inside microfluidics, microenvironments can be more precisely controlled and their influence on cell fate studied. Microfluidic devices can be made transparent and the cells monitored real time by imaging, using fluorescence markers to probe cell functions and cell fate. This article gives a perspective on the yet untapped utility of microfluidic devices for stem cell research. It will guide the biologists through some basic microtechnology and the application of microfluidics to cell research, as well as highlight to the engineers the cell culture capabilities of microfluidics.