NMR Antigen Detection via Surface Relaxivity and CPMG Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NMR methods for detecting antigens in small liquid samples are limited by long incubation times and difficulty in distinguishing surface and bulk fluid properties, which affects the accuracy and speed of analysis.
Innovation Solution
The use of NMR apparatus configured to measure T2 relaxation times in real-time, with a high surface-to-volume ratio sample chamber design that allows for precise detection of antigen-antibody interactions by altering surface relaxivity, enabling rapid quantitative determination of antigens and differentiation of fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional NMR methods are used for antigen detection in small liquid samples, then detection sensitivity can be achieved, but analysis time becomes excessively long due to long incubation times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sample chamber by using a high surface-to-volume ratio configuration. This parameter change enables faster relaxation measurements and reduces the incubation time required for antigen-antibody interactions, thereby decreasing analysis time while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic RF pulse sequences (such as CPMG sequences) to generate spin echoes at regular intervals. This periodic action allows for rapid repeated measurements of T2 relaxation times, enabling real-time monitoring of antigen-antibody interactions and significantly reducing the total analysis time compared to conventional single-point measurements
2Measurement precision
If conventional NMR measurement approaches are used, then bulk fluid properties can be measured, but differentiation between surface and bulk fluid properties becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NMR signal into two distinct components: surface-related signals and bulk-related signals. By analyzing the different T2 relaxation times of these segmented signals, the system can differentiate between surface and bulk fluid properties without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the local quality difference between surface and bulk regions by measuring T2 relaxation times that are sensitive to the local environment. Molecules near the surface experience different relaxation rates compared to bulk molecules, allowing differentiation through analysis of these local property variations
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
This approach enables rapid and sensitive detection of antigens, reducing analysis time and improving the distinction between surface and bulk fluid properties, enhancing the accuracy and speed of NMR-based antigen detection.
Implementation Method 1
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus and methods... NMR signals as used methods according to the present disclosure arise from the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water molecules
Implementation Method 2
Spin-spin (T2) relaxation occurs when a given ensemble of oscillating hydrogen nuclear axis spins lose coherence. Loss of spin coherence is caused by macroscopic and microscopic fluctuations in the static magnetic field experienced by a freely diffusing nuclear axis spin
Implementation Method 3
T2 relaxation can be measured independently from T2* by means of a specialized series of RF pulses and delays, called a CPMG (Carr Purcell Meiboom Gill) pulse sequence. A CPMG pulse sequence removes the effects of macroscopic static magnetic field inhomogeneities to specifically measure the contribution from the microscopic environment, by creating a series of spin echoes
Implementation Method 4
The relaxation time is significantly shorter for a molecule proximate a sample chamber surface or wall area, as compared to a molecule in the bulk volume. This is an effect of paramagnetic centers at a wall surface that causes the relaxation time to be faster
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus includes at least one solenoid configured to induce a radio frequency magnetic field in a sample. The sample is located inside the solenoid. At least one cylindrical magnet is arranged to induce a static magnetic field in the sample, wherein the magnet is located inside the sample.