Miniaturized MR Device with Integrated Electronics and Passivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance (MR) technologies face challenges in analyzing microscopic biological samples, particularly those between 5 and 1000 μm in size, due to limitations in sample handling, signal-to-noise ratio, and the need for a bio-compatible and controlled environment.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultra-compact magnetic resonance probes integrated with micro-structures to form biological culture chambers, which are optimized for analyzing small biological samples. This system includes a passivation-binding layer for protection and bio-compatibility, and is designed to provide excellent spin-sensitivity and a sensing region smaller than 1 μL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If micro-coils are connected to passive components via cables to realize resonators, then the MR device can be miniaturized, but parasitic inductors are introduced that complicate the application to small samples and decrease signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the TX/RX electronics directly onto the same substrate as the micro-coil, eliminating the need for external cable connections. This merging of components removes parasitic inductors from the system while maintaining miniaturization, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without sacrificing device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the parasitic inductors that were previously introduced by cable connections between micro-coils and external electronics. By taking out these harmful parasitic elements through direct integration, the signal quality is improved while the device remains miniaturized.
2Volume of moving object
If micro-coils are used for miniaturized MR, then device size is reduced, but parasitic structures introduce unwanted signals and losses
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the TX/RX electronics with the micro-coil on the same substrate, the patent eliminates parasitic inductors that would otherwise be introduced by external connections. This integration approach removes harmful parasitic structures while preserving the miniaturized device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If standard MR instrumentation is used for microscopic samples, then analysis capability is maintained, but sample handling and bio-compatibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated device that combines MR sensing capabilities with cell culture chamber functionality. The same substrate houses both the micro-coil for NMR analysis and structural features for sample containment and manipulation, enabling both high-resolution analysis and versatile sample handling in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary integrated structure that bridges the gap between the MR sensing function and sample handling requirements. This intermediary design allows biological samples to be manipulated and contained within the same device that performs sensitive MR analysis, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If sensing element is placed close to sample for high sensitivity, then spin-sensitivity is improved, but bio-compatibility and controlled environment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: a sensing region with the micro-coil for high-sensitivity MR detection, and separate cell culture chamber regions for maintaining bio-compatible environments. This segmentation allows the sensing element to be positioned close to samples for high sensitivity while maintaining controlled, bio-compatible conditions in the culture chamber through appropriate material selection and environmental control.
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
The solution enables the analysis of small biological samples with high spin-sensitivity and bio-compatibility, overcoming previous limitations in sample handling and signal quality, and allowing for versatile and controlled sample manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a passivation-binding layer for protection and bio-compatibility
Implementation Method 2
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) (often generically indicated as magnetic resonance, MR) are widely known spectroscopic tools used for chemical analysis of intact bulk matter
Implementation Method 3
the screening of the external magnetic field is different, resulting in a slightly different Larmor frequency. This phenomenon of separation of the Larmor frequencies as consequence of the chemical configuration in which the target nuclei and/or electrons are embedded is known as chemical shift
Implementation Method 4
said depositing is performed through a deposition process selected from chemical vapor deposition and/or physical vapor deposition
Implementation Method 5
said depositing is performed through a deposition process selected from chemical vapor deposition and/or physical vapor deposition
Data Source
AI summary
MR device (100) comprising a miniaturized magnetic resonance system (101) and a cell culture chamber (502) for the analysis of biological samples of less than about 1000 μm in size, wherein said device (100) is at least partially covered by a passivation-binding layer (800). The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing said device (100), comprising a step of depositing a thin passivation-binding layer (800) on said system (101) The depositing step is preferably performed through a deposition process selected from chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition.