Measuring (the refractive index of) nanoparticles
Measuring nanoparticles becomes increasingly important in healthcare, pharmacology, and environmental sciences, but measuring and obtaining relevant information from single nanoparticles requires cutting-edge technology.
Therefore, a metrological flow cytometer is being developed that will be capable to traceably measure the concentration, size, and refractive index of single nanoparticles directly in suspension. As described in this Mikroniek article, the new instrument will have multiple applications not only for the detection of extracellular vesicles, but also for the determination of nanoplastics or the calibration of reference materials. (Image courtesy of Martine Kuiper, VSL/Amsterdam UMC)