Abstract: Magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, populations of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, and methods for forming magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core particle and a monolayer of magnetic particles coupled to a substantial portion of a surface of a core particle. About 60% to about 90% of a surface of a core particle is covered by the monolayer of magnetic particles. The microsphere also includes an outer polymer layer surrounding or encapsulating both the monolayer of magnetic particles and the core particle. One population of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres is configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of magnetic fluorescent microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described herein.

Abstract: A compact flow instrument for multiplexed analysis of a pooled population of subsets of particles exposed to a sample includes an examination zone with one or more examination compartments for irradiating a passing particle with electromagnetic radiation (EMR), one or more EMR sources for irradiating the passing particle, one or more detectors configured to detect EMR emitted or scattered by the passing particle, a syringe pump driven by a stepper motor to deliver sheath fluid in characteristic pulses according to each step of the stepper motor for transporting the passing particle, and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the syringe pump to deliver sheath fluid to transport the passing particle, capture the detected EMR at a rate commensurate with the velocity of the transported particle as it passes through the examination zone, and compile information about the captured EMR.

Abstract: A compact flow instrument for multiplexed analysis of a pooled population of subsets of particles exposed to a sample includes an examination zone with one or more examination compartments for irradiating a passing particle with electromagnetic radiation (EMR), one or more EMR sources for irradiating the passing particle, one or more detectors configured to detect EMR emitted or scattered by the passing particle, a syringe pump driven by a stepper motor to deliver sheath fluid in characteristic pulses according to each step of the stepper motor for transporting the passing particle, and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the syringe pump to deliver sheath fluid to transport the passing particle, capture the detected EMR at a rate commensurate with the velocity of the transported particle as it passes through the examination zone, and compile information about the captured EMR.

Abstract: Magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, populations of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, and methods for forming magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core particle and a monolayer of magnetic particles coupled to a substantial portion of a surface of a core particle. About 60% to about 90% of a surface of a core particle is covered by the monolayer of magnetic particles. The microsphere also includes an outer polymer layer surrounding or encapsulating both the monolayer of magnetic particles and the core particle. One population of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres is configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of magnetic fluorescent microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described herein.

Abstract: A compact flow instrument for multiplexed analysis of a pooled population of subsets of particles exposed to a sample includes an examination zone with one or more examination compartments for irradiating a passing particle with electromagnetic radiation (EMR), one or more EMR sources for irradiating the passing particle, one or more detectors configured to detect EMR emitted or scattered by the passing particle, a syringe pump driven by a stepper motor to deliver sheath fluid in characteristic pulses according to each step of the stepper motor for transporting the passing particle, and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the syringe pump to deliver sheath fluid to transport the passing particle, capture the detected EMR at a rate commensurate with the velocity of the transported particle as it passes through the examination zone, and compile information about the captured EMR.