Abstract: A method of distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates in a fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a brightfield background image of a membrane filter, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, generating a particle mask based on the brightfield background image and the brightfield image of filtered particles, introducing a fluorescent dye onto the membrane filter, detecting fluorescence on the particle mask, and distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates based on the detected fluorescence. A method for detecting other types of particles, such as polysorbate particles, silicone oil or protein monomers is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing particles in a fluid sample are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring a background SIMI image and a background brightfield image of a membrane filter while the membrane filter is free of a fluid sample, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a SIMI image and a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, distinguishing between the filtered particulates and the membrane filter based on the background SIMI image, generating a particle mask based on the SIMI image, and detecting beads via the particle mask. Methods for distinguishing particulates include distinguishing between viable and non-viable cell populations, distinguishing between cellular and non-cellular particulates, distinguishing between biological and non-biological particulates, distinguishing between first and second protein types, determining stability of monoclonal antibody drugs, identifying beads in a cell therapy, and detecting bacteria.

Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates in a fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a brightfield background image of a membrane filter, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, generating a particle mask based on the brightfield background image and the brightfield image of filtered particles, introducing a fluorescent dye onto the membrane filter, detecting fluorescence on the particle mask, and distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates based on the detected fluorescence. A method for detecting other types of particles, such as polysorbate particles, silicone oil or protein monomers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates in a fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a brightfield background image of a membrane filter, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, generating a particle mask based on the brightfield background image and the brightfield image of filtered particles, introducing a fluorescent dye onto the membrane filter, detecting fluorescence on the particle mask, and distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates based on the detected fluorescence. A method for detecting other types of particles, such as polysorbate particles, silicone oil or protein monomers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates in a fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a brightfield background image of a membrane filter, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, generating a particle mask based on the brightfield background image and the brightfield image of filtered particles, introducing a fluorescent dye onto the membrane filter, detecting fluorescence on the particle mask, and distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates based on the detected fluorescence. A method for detecting other types of particles, such as polysorbate particles, silicone oil or protein monomers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.