Benchtop NMR Metabolite Profiling via Halbach Magnet Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metabolite profiling methods are invasive, infrequent, and limited to traditional healthcare settings, leading to missed diagnoses due to poor timing and patient discomfort, and there is a need for less invasive, in-vivo methods that can collect metabolite data outside of these settings.
Innovation Solution
A benchtop device using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with a Halbach magnet array and RF pulse generator for in-vivo metabolite profiling, allowing for non-invasive measurement of metabolites through a user-friendly kiosk system that can be used in various settings, including self-monitoring and remote health tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive metabolite profiling methods (blood draws, urine collection) are used, then metabolite data can be collected, but patient comfort deteriorates and the frequency of sampling is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling methods (blood draws, urine collection) with non-invasive NMR spectroscopy that detects metabolites through magnetic resonance signals from the body, eliminating the need for physical sample extraction and thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NMR spectroscopy as an intermediary detection method that indirectly measures metabolites through their magnetic resonance signals without requiring direct contact with or extraction of biological samples, thus resolving the conflict between measurement accuracy and patient comfort
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory metabolite profiling is performed, then metabolite analysis can be conducted, but the frequency of sampling is limited due to patient visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service metabolite profiling where patients can independently perform NMR scans at home or in non-clinical settings without requiring visits to healthcare providers or laboratories, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with scheduled appointments and enabling frequent monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions metabolite profiling from the clinical setting dimension to the home/environmental dimension, allowing patients to conduct measurements in their own surroundings rather than being constrained by healthcare facility availability and appointment schedules
3Reliability
If frequent metabolite sampling is performed, then timely diagnosis can be achieved, but invasive procedures increase patient discomfort and healthcare burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling with non-invasive NMR detection, allowing frequent repeated measurements without accumulating patient discomfort, thereby enabling timely diagnosis through frequent sampling while maintaining patient comfort
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables frequent, non-invasive, and cost-effective metabolite profiling, providing timely health monitoring and diagnosis, improving patient comfort and reducing the burden on healthcare systems by allowing for continuous data collection outside traditional healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
A benchtop device using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with a Halbach magnet array
Implementation Method 2
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
Implementation Method 3
RF pulse generator for in-vivo metabolite profiling
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for characterization of metabolite compounds utilizing magnetic resonance spectrometers. In one embodiment, a system for characterization of metabolite compounds is provided, the system comprising a magnetic resonance spectrometer configured to generate an in vivo magnetic resonance dataset; a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency detector, wherein the radio frequency detector detects a signal from the tissue volume that is used to generate the in vivo magnetic resonance dataset; a processor operably coupled to the magnetic resonance spectrometer; and a memory operably coupled to the processor providing instructions to the processor to extract at least one metabolomic parameter from the in vivo magnetic resonance dataset, wherein the at least one metabolomic parameter relates to a concentration of at least one metabolite within the tissue volume.