Abstract: Disclosed herein is are methods for isolating mammalian cells under continuous flow conditions, enriching mammalian cells under continuous flow conditions, and enriching microorganisms under continuous flow conditions. The methods include providing and loading a plurality of mammalian cells or microorganisms into an acoustic separation device. The acoustic separation device includes: an inlet; an outlet; a channel coupled to the inlet and the outlet, wherein the channel defines a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a standing acoustic wave generating device; and at least one pillar array comprising a plurality of pillars, wherein the at least one pillar array is situated within the flow path defined by the channel, wherein the at least one pillar array includes a first pillar array and a second pillar array, wherein the first pillar array is substantially parallel to the second pillar array, wherein the first pillar array and the second pillar array form an enrichment structure.

Abstract: A nanothermometer is disclosed. In various embodiments, a nanothermometer comprises a nanoparticle such as a gold nanoparticle, a fluorophore, and a linker, such as a peptide linker, extending between the nanoparticle and the fluorophore, whereby the fluorophore is self-quenched. The linker can comprise one or more cysteines. An unheated thermometer shows little or no fluorescence. Upon heating, fluorophore-linker conjugates are released from the nanoparticle, thereby unquenching the fluorescence. An increase in fluorescence results. In some embodiments, the increase in fluorescence can be irreversible. Methods of measuring temperature of a sample such as a biological sample, and methods of synthesizing a nanothermometer, are also disclosed. A molecular thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nanothermometer is disclosed. In various embodiments, a nanothermometer comprises a nanoparticle such as a gold nanoparticle, a fluorophore, and a linker, such as a peptide linker, extending between the nanoparticle and the fluorophore, whereby the fluorophore is self-quenched. The linker can comprise one or more cysteines. An unheated thermometer shows little or no fluorescence. Upon heating, fluorophore-linker conjugates are released from the nanoparticle, thereby unquenching the fluorescence. An increase in fluorescence results. In some embodiments, the increase in fluorescence can be irreversible. Methods of measuring temperature of a sample such as a biological sample, and methods of synthesizing a nanothermometer, are also disclosed. A molecular thermometer is also disclosed.