Biometric Method for Low-Sensitivity Nuclei Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NMR/MRI devices struggle to generate strong magnetic fields required for measuring low-sensitivity magnetic resonance nuclei like 13C, 15N, and 31P in organisms, and existing methods for improving sensitivity, such as Dynamic Nuclear Polarization, are limited by the need for high magnetic fields and ultra-low temperatures, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
A biometric method involving the administration of target molecules with unpaired electrons and radical molecules to an organism, followed by electron spin resonance using an Overhauser-effect MRI device, which hyperpolarizes nuclear spins in low gyromagnetic ratio nuclei, allowing for measurement in a magnetic field that degenerates nuclear magnetic resonance signals, enhancing sensitivity and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic field having an intensity equal to or greater than tens of mT is generated to measure low-sensitivity magnetic resonance nucleus, then measurement precision is improved, but electromagnetic wave penetration distance into organism becomes too short to actually cause electron spin resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is divided into two distinct stages: first administering target molecules with unpaired electrons to the organism, then subsequently causing electron spin resonance and measuring nuclear magnetic resonance signals. This segmentation allows the electromagnetic wave penetration issue to be resolved by separating the molecule administration phase from the resonance measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Target molecules containing unpaired electrons are administered to the organism in advance before the electron spin resonance measurement. This preliminary action ensures that the molecules are already present in the organism when the electromagnetic wave is applied, allowing the resonance to occur at the appropriate field strength without penetration limitations.
2Measurement precision
If conventional NMR/MRI devices are used to measure low-sensitivity magnetic resonance nuclei like 13C, 15N, and 31P, then measurement is possible, but the devices require extremely high magnetic field intensity equal to or greater than ten or slightly more T
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement approach by utilizing electron spin resonance followed by nuclear magnetic resonance measurement of target molecules that were administered in advance. This parameter change allows measurement of low-sensitivity nuclei without requiring the extremely high magnetic field intensities (≥10 T) that conventional methods demand, thereby reducing the magnetic field strength requirement while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If Dynamic Nuclear Polarization is used to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is enhanced, but ultra-low temperature atmosphere equal to or lower than 100 degrees Kelvin is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/physical system of ultra-low temperature cooling required for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization with an electromagnetic-based approach using electron spin resonance. By administering target molecules with unpaired electrons and utilizing their resonance properties at conventional temperatures, the need for cryogenic temperature systems (≤100 K) is eliminated while achieving enhanced detection sensitivity.
4Measurement precision
If molecules with hyperpolarized nuclear spin are administered into organism at ultra-low temperature, then sensitivity is improved, but measurement must be completed before hyperpolarization relaxes, providing data for only a short period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous measurement capability by administering target molecules that contain unpaired electrons and measuring their nuclear magnetic resonance signals after electron spin resonance. Since the target molecules remain in the organism and can be continuously monitored through the two-stage process without requiring ultra-low temperature maintenance, the useful measurement action can continue over an extended period rather than being limited to a brief window after hyperpolarization administration.
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 the measurement of low-sensitivity magnetic resonance nuclei with performance comparable to high-field NMR/MRI devices, overcoming previous limitations by achieving enhanced signal intensity and prolonged measurement times without the need for ultra-low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
causing electron spin resonance in the unpaired electron of the target molecule A or the radical molecule C by irradiating electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
subsequently triggering nuclear magnetic resonance in the magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F
Implementation Method 3
causing electron spin resonance in the unpaired electron of the target molecule A or the radical molecule C by irradiating electromagnetic waves to the target organism through an Overhauser-effect MRI device
Implementation Method 4
the step (2) being carried out in a magnetic field having such an intensity that the nuclear magnetic resonance signals of the magnetic resonance nucleus in one of the target molecule A and the target molecule B are degenerated
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric method includes: a step (1) for administering, to a target organism from the outside thereof, one of (i) a target molecule A having both an unpaired electron and a magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F, and (ii) a target molecule B and a radical molecule C, the target molecule B having no unpaired electron, and further having a magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F, the radical molecule C having an unpaired electron; and a step (2) for causing electron spin resonance in the unpaired electron of the target molecule A or the radical molecule C by irradiating electromagnetic waves to the target organism, subsequently triggering nuclear magnetic resonance in the magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F in one of the target molecule A and the target molecule B, and further, measuring nuclear magnetic resonance signals. The step (2) is carried out in a magnetic field having such an intensity that the nuclear magnetic resonance signals of the magnetic resonance nucleus in one of the target molecule A and the target molecule B are degenerated, the magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F. The biometric method makes it possible to measure low-sensitivity magnetic resonance nucleus such as 13C, 15N, and 31P, which are important nuclides present in organism, with performance equal to or over that of a high-field MRI device.