Hybrid Multiferroic Nanoparticles for Neuronal Electric Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI techniques cannot effectively measure electric fields in living tissues, as they are only capable of detecting electrical currents in the microampere range, which is higher than typical currents produced by small neuronal bundles or single neurons, and existing contrast agents are not suitable for human use due to light scattering issues.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid multiferoic nanoparticle apparatus comprising ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials in a fixed physical relationship, which can be used with MRI instruments or magnetometers to non-invasively detect electric fields by monitoring the magnetic states of these particles, allowing for the measurement of magnetic fields arising from or within the particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI techniques are used to measure electrical currents, then currents in the microampere range can be detected, but typical currents produced by small neuronal bundles or single neurons (which are at least ten times lower) cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a contrast agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the neuronal electrical fields and the MRI detection system. The contrast agent contains ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials that convert weak electrical fields into detectable magnetic field changes, enabling MRI to sense neuronal currents that would otherwise be below the detection threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct electrical current measurement to magnetic field measurement induced by the contrast agent. By using the magnetoelectric coupling effect, the system transforms the measurement from detecting electrical currents directly to detecting magnetic field changes caused by the contrast agent's response to electrical fields, thereby increasing sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If optically-active contrast agents are used to detect neuronal electrical fields, then detection is possible in laboratory animals, but the method cannot be used in humans or large animals due to light scattering from neuron to detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using light (optical energy) that scatters in tissue, the system uses magnetic fields which can penetrate deep into human and large animal bodies without significant scattering, thereby enabling detection in clinical settings
3Measurement precision
If conventional contrast agents like gadoterate meglumine are used, then time-dependent change in local magnetization can be measured, but the distribution of contrast agent is unaffected by electric fields and cannot sense electrical fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite contrast agent containing both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. The ferroelectric component responds to electrical fields by developing polarization, which through magnetoelectric coupling induces magnetic field changes detected by the ferromagnetic component. This composite structure enables the contrast agent to sense electrical fields while maintaining MRI detectability
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 detection of electric fields from neurons or groups of neurons, providing a non-invasive method to sense electrical activity in living tissues, overcoming the limitations of conventional MRI techniques by utilizing the interaction between magnetic and electric fields to determine neural activity.
Implementation Method 1
when a ferroelectric material is exposed to an external electric field, the polarization of the ferroelectric material changes in response to the external electric field
Implementation Method 2
hybrid multiferroic nanoparticle apparatus comprising ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials in a fixed physical relationship... utilizing the interaction between magnetic and electric fields
Implementation Method 3
each particle contains a plurality of magnetizable (for example, ferromagnetic) and ferroelectric materials in fixed physical relationship
Implementation Method 4
the time-dependent change in local magnetization caused by the presence of the contrast agent can be used to determine which portions of the sample are reached by the contrast agent
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a plurality of particles, wherein each particle contains a plurality of magnetizable (for example, ferromagnetic) and ferroelectric materials in fixed physical relationship (for example, physical contact) with one another. A method and apparatus measure magnetic fields arising from or within the plurality of particles.