Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Real-Time Metabolic Detection in Living Cells Using Hyperpolarized 13C NMR
Published on: July 8, 2025
Lab-on-a-Chip Metabolic Analysis Using Benchtop NMR Technology
Marc Azagra1, Hetal Patel2, Alejandro Portela1
1Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
None:
Organ-on-chip (OoC) systems are advancing rapidly as physiologically relevant in vitro models. However, real-time, noninvasive metabolic monitoring tools remain lacking. While NMR offers a powerful solution, current setups are not compatible with the planar format of microfluidic chips. Here we introduce the first benchtop NMR spectrometer for real-time metabolic monitoring of cell cultures on microfluidic platforms, utilizing hyperpolarization via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization. This work details modifications made to a commercial benchtop NMR spectrometer, including the design and fabrication of a microfluidic platform that enables precise injection of hyperpolarized substrates and continuous renewal of cell culture media. The platform integrates a radiofrequency coil for signal transmission and reception and incorporates a custom-built sample carrier. Preliminary NMR data acquired with this system demonstrate its feasibility for dynamic metabolic studies.
More Related Videos
10:56Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality
Published on: May 5, 2022
10:51Fabrication and Validation of an Organ-on-chip System with Integrated Electrodes to Directly Quantify Transendothelial Electrical Resistance
Published on: September 26, 2017
Related Concept Videos
What is Metabolism?
Flame Photometry: Lab
¹³C NMR: ¹H–¹³C Decoupling
A broadband decoupling technique is used to simplify these complex, sometimes overlapping, signals. Broadband decoupling relies on a...
¹H NMR of Conformationally Flexible Molecules: Variable-Temperature NMR
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...