Superparamagnetic Material Detection via Susceptibility Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring superparamagnetic material in cancer diagnosis, such as the sentinel lymph node method, pose health risks and logistical burdens due to the use of radioactive materials, and existing apparatuses struggle to distinguish superparamagnetic material susceptibility from patient and environmental contributions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of alternating and static magnetic fields to differentiate the susceptibility of superparamagnetic material from linear contributions of the body and environment, allowing for precise measurement of superparamagnetic material using a detection coil and exploiting non-linear magnetization characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radioactive contrast material is used for sentinel lymph node detection, then detection capability is improved, but health risks and logistical burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive contrast material and gamma probe system with a magnetic field-based detection system using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and a magnetic susceptibility measurement apparatus. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel while maintaining the ability to detect sentinel lymph nodes through magnetic properties rather than radioactive emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from radioactive emission intensity to magnetic susceptibility. By measuring the magnetic properties of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the lymph nodes, the system achieves detection without requiring radioactive materials, thus eliminating health risks associated with radiation exposure.
2Reliability
If radioactive contrast material is used for sentinel lymph node detection, then detection capability is improved, but logistical burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex radioactive material handling system with a simpler magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic susceptibility measurement apparatus does not require special containment, licensing, or safety protocols associated with radioactive materials, thereby reducing logistical burden while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as the contrast agent, which can be administered intravenously and will be cleared from the body through normal metabolic processes. This eliminates the need for complex radioactive material disposal and safety infrastructure, reducing logistical requirements for hospitals.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic susceptibility measurement is performed, then superparamagnetic material can be detected, but unwanted contributions from patient and surroundings interfere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic alternating magnetic fields at specific frequencies to the patient's body. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles respond to these alternating fields with characteristic magnetic susceptibility changes, while the system uses frequency-selective detection to isolate the signal from the nanoparticles from background magnetic noise and tissue contributions, thereby improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach by using alternating magnetic fields at specific frequencies and measuring the resulting magnetic susceptibility changes. This dynamic measurement approach allows the system to distinguish the magnetic response of superparamagnetic nanoparticles from the static magnetic properties of surrounding tissues, reducing interference from patient and environmental sources.
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 safer, cheaper, and more accurate detection of superparamagnetic material, reducing logistical burdens and improving measurement precision, capable of detecting amounts as low as 1 nanogram within the range of 0.5 μg to 1000 μg.
Implementation Method 1
the superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles can then be detected by an apparatus which is arranged to measure a susceptibility of the superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles by Faraday induction
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field comprising a first component alternating with a first period and a single frequency to the object and having a magnetic field strength lower than a magnetic field strength at which the superparamagnetic material is driven in saturation
Implementation Method 3
applying a static second component to the magnetic field for a second period being equal or larger than the first period, the strength of the magnetic field during the second period is such that the superparamagnetic material is driven towards saturation
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for measuring an amount of superparamagnetic material in an object, the method including a) applying a magnetic field having a first component alternating with a first period to the object and a magnetic field strength lower than a magnetic field strength at which the superparamagnetic material is driven in saturation; b) measuring a first magnetic susceptibility of the object with a detection coil; c) applying a static second component to the magnetic field for a second period being equal or larger than the first period, the strength of the magnetic field during the second period is such that the superparamagnetic material is driven towards saturation; d) measuring a second magnetic susceptibility of the object with the detection coil during the application of the static second component; and e) determining the amount of superparamagnetic material from a difference between the measured first and second susceptibility of the object.