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Planar microcoil-based microfluidic NMR probes
1Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystems, EPFL-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, BM 3.108, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland. charles.massin@epfl.ch
Journal of Magnetic Resonance (San Diego, Calif. : 1997)
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Researchers developed microfluidic NMR probes for small sample volumes, demonstrating sensitivity for on-chip spectroscopy. They identified magnetic field distortions as a key limitation for future high-resolution applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Background:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique.
- miniaturization of NMR probes is crucial for analyzing small sample volumes.
- Microfluidic systems offer precise control over sample handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and test microfabricated NMR probes with integrated microfluidic channels.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of on-chip NMR spectroscopy for small volumes.
- To investigate the relationship between probe design and performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microfluidic NMR probes using electroplated planar microcoils on glass substrates.
- Acquisition of 1H NMR spectra at 300 MHz using probes with volumes of 30, 120, and 470 nL.
- Development and application of models to predict signal-to-noise ratio and spectral resolution.
Main Results:
- Successful acquisition of 1H NMR spectra from microgram quantities of sucrose, proving the concept of on-chip NMR.
- Experimental demonstration of increased mass-sensitivity with reduced coil diameter in planar microcoils.
- Identification of probe-induced static magnetic field distortions as the primary limitation for high-resolution NMR.
Conclusions:
- Microfabricated microfluidic NMR probes are viable for on-chip spectroscopy.
- Probe design, particularly coil diameter, significantly impacts mass-sensitivity.
- Minimizing static magnetic field distortions is critical for advancing high-resolution microfluidic NMR applications.