NMR Microcoil Flow Cytometer for Pathogen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic tools are inefficient and costly, and existing methods for removing foreign agents like bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells from the bloodstream are hindered by drug resistance and the need for invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A novel NMR microcoil spectroscopic flow cytometer using antibody-conjugated super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for sensitive detection and isolation of cells, combined with a biologically specific cartridge for physical removal of foreign agents without drug-based methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drug-based methods are used to eradicate foreign agents in the bloodstream, then the agents can be killed, but drug resistance develops and efficacy is lost over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficacy of eradicationVSAvoiddrug resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical drug-based eradication with a physical detection and removal system. The NMR-based magnecytometer detects foreign agents through magnetic properties, and a magnetic cartridge physically removes them from the bloodstream, eliminating the evolution of drug resistance that plagues pharmacological approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic nanoparticles as intermediaries that bind to foreign agents, enabling their detection and removal. These nanoparticles serve as a mediator between the detection system (NMR magnecytometer) and the removal mechanism (magnetic cartridge), allowing specific targeting without drugs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If invasive procedures are used to remove foreign agents, then eradication can be achieved, but patient harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeradication capabilityVSAvoidpatient harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive surgical or procedural methods with a minimally invasive blood circulation approach. Blood is drawn through a catheter and passed through a magnetic cartridge, which removes foreign agents without requiring open surgery or tissue disruption, significantly reducing patient harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If current diagnostic tools are used for detection, then diseases can be identified, but the process is inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex, expensive laboratory-based diagnostic tools with a streamlined NMR-based magnecytometer system. This device detects foreign agents directly in the bloodstream using magnetic properties, eliminating the need for multiple laboratory tests and reducing both cost and time while maintaining high detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid, cost-effective detection and removal of single cells or pathogens from small blood volumes, maintaining blood composition and function, and remains effective against drug-resistant agents.

Implementation Method 1

using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy that has the sensitivity to detect single magnetic nanoparticles in an aqueous solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR):

Implementation Method 2

binding of antibody-conjugated, super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to tumor cells or other cells of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuper-paramagnetism: Superparamagnetism

Implementation Method 3

A shunt may be established and the patient's blood would be pumped through the cartridge to remove the infectious agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field attraction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9110068B2Physical removal of biological agents detected by a magnecytometer

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 STC UNM

AI summary

A system and method for analyzing a sample of liquid having an NMR signal in response to a magnetic field for the presence of an analyte. Included is an NMR device having a testing section that is adapted to contain a liquid and apply a magnetic field to the liquid. A complex comprised of a conjugate having a field gradient bound to the analyte that is of sufficient magnitude to quench the NMR signal of the liquid when in the test section whereby the presence of the complex is determined by the absence of the NMR signal. The system and method also include a container having a binding agent therein that has an affinity for the analyte or foreign agent that is used to remove the foreign agent from a patient's blood or plasma. Blood or plasma is shunted through the container to remove or reduce the foreign agent by extracorporeal circulation.