Cluster of blue cells beside a molecular illustration — ACUITYnano banner

Simple solutions for the exploration and manipulation of the nano- and micro world at which life functions

ACUITYnano is a Maryland-based scientific R&D-centric company conveniently located near major research institutions in the Bio-Health Capital Region. ACUITYnano leverages state-of-the-art embedded systems, advanced control algorithms, computer vision and machine learning in conjunction with microfluidics and optics to meet the critical needs that emerge at the convergence of nanotechnology and life sciences. Our solutions enable unique control over complex applications in nano-, micro- and biomedical technology, from microfluidics-based systems for nanoscale imaging to smart cell culture systems for monitoring cell development under microgravity on NASA missions. Our team draws on decades of expertise in computer, aerospace, and biomedical engineering to help identify business value drivers that will be key for turning ideas into innovation and into commercial performance to solve pressing challenges in health and medicines.

NANO

Nano precise flow controlled probing integrates microfluidics with the accuracy and sensitivity of nanoscopic probes to provide a whole new level of imaging resolution.

MICRO

Smart vision-based control algorithms paired with microfluidics unlock the potential for manipulating microscale objects and living biological cells by action-at-a-distance electric, fluidic and magnetic fields on-chip.

BIOMEDICAL

Biomedical device innovation, prototyping, and development. We offer novel solutions generally applicable to diagnostic and therapeutic devices.

We leverage our knowledge in vision-based action-at-a-distance electric, fluidic and magnetic field control to push the technological limits involved in handling nanoscale objects and living biological cells on a chip. Tell us about your challenges, requirements, budget, and time frame. We will propose a solution to meet your specific needs. Let's have a conversation on how we can help you: contact us.

Consultancy

Our primary business is to assist clients on a consultancy basis. We provide consultancy services to research laboratories and companies.

Our focus areas:

Miniaturized medical diagnostics,
Real-time embedded systems,
Vision-based control systems,
Hypoxia-based cell culture,
Light-sheet microfluidics,
Magnetic manipulation.

Our solutions unlock the potential of handling nanoscale objects and living biological cells by action-at-a-distance electric, fluidic, photonic and magnetic fields on microfluidic chips.

Product Development

We provide assistance at any stage of new product development; research, idea generation, concept development, prototyping and product development. Our primary focus is research and development in our main focus area. However, we also innovate outside these focus areas as long as it involves our main competencies.

If you have unresolved problems or market needs that seek creative solutions we invite you to contact us.

Typical clients

medical diagnostic companies,
research organizations,
academia,
startups.

Technology and IP Transfer

At ACUITYnano we have extensive experience in transferring technology from the research stage to industry. We have experience transferring technology from universities to industry, but more importantly receiving and implementing technology in industry. Our experience from both sides of the transfer process enables us to facilitate the transfer of technology for our clients.

We use our technical expertise and market knowledge to make evaluations of technology and IP for our clients.

Typical clients

technology transfer functions of universities and research organizations,
innovators & venture capitalists, and
companies as part of a due diligence, merger or acquisition.

Relevant Publications

Control of Microfluidics

Flow Control of Small Objects On-Chip: Manipulating Live Cells, Quantum Dots, and Nano-Wires

This article is on microscale flow control, on dynamically shaping flow fields in microfluidic devices to precisely manipulate cells, quantum dots (QDs), and nanowires. Compared to prior methods, manipulating microscopic and nanoscopic objects by flow control can be achieved with simpler and easy-to-fabricate devices, can steer a wider variety of objects, and enables entirely new capabilities such as placement and immobilization of…

Three-Dimensional Electrokinetic Tweezing: Device Design, Modeling, and Control Algorithms

We show how to extend electrokinetic tweezing (which can manipulate any visible particles and has more favorable force scaling than optical actuation enabling manipulation of nanoscale objects to nanoscopic precision) from two-dimensional control to the third dimension (3D). A novel and practical multi-layer device is presented that can create both planar and vertical flow and electric field modes. Feedback control algorithms are developed…

Electrokinetic Tweezing: Three-Dimensional Manipulation of Microparticles by Real-Time Imaging and Flow Control

Electrokinetic tweezing in three dimensions is achieved for the first time using a multi-layer microfluidic device, a model-based control algorithm, and a 3D imaging algorithm connected in a feedback loop. Here we demonstrate steering of microparticles along 3D trajectories and trapping in all three dimensions with accuracy as good as 1 μm…

Magnetic Control for Drug Delivery

Planar Steering of a Single Ferrofluid Drop by Dynamic Feedback Control of Four Electromagnets at a Distance

Any single permanent or electromagnet will always attract a magnetic fluid. For this reason it is difficult to precisely position and manipulate ferrofluid at a distance from magnets. We develop and experimentally demonstrate optimal (minimum electrical power) 2-dimensional manipulation of a single droplet of ferrofluid by feedback control of 4 external electromagnets. The control algorithm we have developed…

Towards Control of Magnetic Fluids in Patients: Directing Therapeutic Nanoparticles to Disease Locations

This article describes a range of results, from passive magnet design to optimal feedback control of a distributed ferrofluid. Representing magnetic forces as the gradient of a magnetic energy allows design and demonstration of optimal closed-loop manipulation of a single ferrofluid droplet. The demonstrated algorithms…

Opening the Blood Brain Barrier with an Electropermanent Magnet System

Opening the blood brain barrier (BBB) under imaging guidance may be useful for the treatment of many brain disorders. Rapidly applied magnetic fields have the potential to generate electric fields in brain tissue that, if properly timed, may enable safe and effective BBB opening…

Light-Sheet Microscopy

A polymer gel index-matched to water enables diverse applications in fluorescence microscopy

Immobilization of biological samples is often helpful in interrogating biological structure and function, particularly when studying living specimens with high-resolution optical microscopy. In such experiments, it is desirable to match the refractive index (RI) of the immobilizing substrate, especially when working with water-dipping or water-immersion optics that are designed to image into living aqueous specimens. In our survey of immobilization techniques, including microfluidics, we found that little effort is spent on RI-matching, with the result that diffraction-limited imaging is rarely (practically never) attained in these experiments. We have solved this problem using BIO-133, a commercially available, inert, and biocompatible polymer with refractive index matched to water…

Simultaneous Multiview Capture and Fusion Improves Spatial Resolution in Wide-Field and Light-Sheet Microscopy

Most fluorescence microscopes are inefficient, collecting only a small fraction of the emitted light at any instant. Besides wasting valuable signal, this inefficiency also reduces spatial resolution and causes imaging volumes to exhibit significant resolution anisotropy. Microscopic and computational techniques can address these problems by simultaneously capturing and subsequently fusing and deconvolving multiple specimen views…

Live Imaging of Influenza Viral Ribonucleoproteins Using Light-Sheet Microscopy

Influenza viruses exhibit a complex life cycle that is still poorly understood. It involves independent replication of each of the eight segments that make up its genome and subsequent coordinated assembly as they egress from the host cell. Fast, time-resolved volumetric live cell imaging offers a powerful tool for understanding the various host mechanisms hijacked by the virus…