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Microfluidic Overhauser DNP chip for signal-enhanced compact NMR
Sebastian Z Kiss1, Neil MacKinnon1, Jan G Korvink2
1Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|February 26, 2021
Summary
Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is insensitive for portable biomarker detection. A new compact system enhances NMR sensitivity in small volumes, enabling point-of-care diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is generally insensitive, limiting its use in portable applications requiring small sample volumes, such as biomarker detection in bodily fluids.
- Current limitations hinder the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools based on NMR technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, double resonant chip stack system for enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance sensitivity.
- To enable in situ dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) for small sample volumes.
- To overcome instrumental barriers for point-of-care NMR applications.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a compact double resonant chip stack system.
- In situ dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of a 130 nL sample volume.
- Microwave power level of 0.5 W.
Main Results:
- Achieved signal enhancements of up to -60 relative to thermal equilibrium.
- Demonstrated the system's capability with a 130 nL sample volume.
- Successful implementation of in situ DNP.
Conclusions:
- The developed compact system significantly enhances NMR sensitivity at low field strengths.
- This technology overcomes previous instrumental limitations for NMR detection.
- Enables potential for point-of-care diagnostic applications using NMR.
