Aqusens: Imaging Flow Cytometry

Micro-object identification in liquids

Many applications require identification of micro-objects in liquids - from detecting pathogens and particles in drinking water, identifying toxic algae during harmful blooms, to characterizing stem cells. Conventional approaches typically rely on optics based technology that is expensive, requires expertise to operate, and is time consuming. Lucendi is developing an innovative platform, aqusens - a cost-effective imaging flow cytometry platform capable of rapid, in-field and automated monitoring and characterization of micro-objects in liquids (i.e. drinking water, ocean water, fuel, bodily fluids, etc.). Detected objects can be automatically classified by Lucendi's machine learning systems if specific identification is required. aqusens will be able to detect and differentiate a variety of micro-objects, including phytoplankton, algae, pathogens (i.e. Giardia and cryptosporidium) as well as other non-organic particles. aqusens will be capable of precise characterization of micro-objects by identifying shape, morphology, color, locomotion patterns, etc. These capabilities will enable aqusens to find its applications across many markets as a standalone device or as an integrated part of an existing solution.

The aqusens technology 

The aqusens platform will consist of an innovative computational microscopy sensing system fused with big data analytics platform capable of expedient image processing, object detection and characterization through machine learning algorithms. aqusens is designed to be a portable (under 1kg) platform offering real-time, high-throughput (~100ml/hour) processing, a large field of view (>20mm^2) and a resolution of ~1 micron, upgradable in the future.