MicroDx - Point-of-Care Microparticle Detection System

Project number: 
22050
Sponsor: 
Kidney ADVANCE Project - NIH/ACABI
Academic year: 
2021-2022
Knowing platelet-derived microparticle (PDMP) levels is important for proper treatment of patients with cardiac complications. Currently, determining a patient’s PDMP levels is a lengthy process that requires expensive lab equipment. The team designed and developed a dynamic light scattering system as a cost effective, point-of-care alternative for sizing and quantifying PDMPs in a blood sample.

The design uses a 520 nm laser that shines through the buffy coat of a patient’s blood sample. The PMDPs within the buffy coat interact with the beam to create light scatter that is captured by an avalanche photodiode. The intensity signal is read by an oscilloscope and processed by a Raspberry Pi to create a calibration curve using an autocorrelation function. These calibration curves are used to determine the size and quantify the PDMPs within the blood sample. A graphical user interface displays particle size and concentration. The Raspberry Pi saves and stores the optical analysis data for each run, and this data can be transferred to a separate device if desired. The entire system is housed in a dark, closed container that allows for sample access while ensuring a reliable environment for optical analysis.

Get started and sponsor a project now!

UA engineering students are ready to take your project from concept to reality.