Two-Plate NMR Drop Analyzer for Microliter Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NMR spectroscopy is limited by the requirement for large sample volumes, which is not suitable for small samples commonly found in life sciences, hindering miniaturization and increasing the need for precise analysis of microliter samples.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a mechanism with two plates to hold a sample as a drop between them, allowing for a defined distance and increased contact area, combined with a sensor unit to detect nuclear magnetic resonances, enabling analysis of volumes less than 100 µl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional NMR spectroscopy with induction coils and strong static magnetic fields is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and miniaturization is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of magnetic field sensing from complex induction coils and strong static field generators, replacing them with a simplified sensor unit based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond that can detect magnetic fields without requiring strong polarizing fields or large induction coils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and electromagnetic system of induction coils and strong magnetic fields with a quantum sensor system based on optical detection of nitrogen vacancy centers, substituting complex electromagnetic mechanisms with quantum optical effects
2Measurement precision
If strong static magnetic fields are used to polarize nuclear spins, then measurement precision is improved, but the requirement for large sample volumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring strong magnetic field polarization to detecting magnetic field variations directly through quantum sensor response, enabling sensitive detection with minimal sample volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite sensor structures combining diamond with nitrogen vacancy centers and optical detection systems to achieve high sensitivity with minimal sample requirements
3Measurement precision
If the sample is placed in a long glass tube as in conventional NMR, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and sample volume requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the long glass tube sample holder from the system, replacing it with a simplified sample placement area between two plates where the sample can be applied directly as a drop or thin layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin plate structures instead of long glass tubes, creating a compact sample chamber that accommodates minimal sample volumes while maintaining detection precision
4Device complexity
If conventional NMR instruments are miniaturized, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical miniaturization approach with quantum sensor-based detection that inherently provides high sensitivity in compact form factors, using optical detection of quantum states rather than scaled-down electromagnetic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter to quantum optical signals from nitrogen vacancy centers, which provide high sensitivity without requiring the large component sizes needed for conventional NMR
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
Facilitates the detection of nuclear magnetic resonances in small sample volumes by enhancing sensitivity and preventing evaporation, while allowing easy loading and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit (11) with a sensor component (12) which forms at least a partial region of the first plate (5) and/or the second plate (6) and is at least partially in contact with the sample (4), wherein the sensor unit (11) is designed to detect a quantity influenced by the nuclear magnetic resonances of the sample (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (3) for analyzing a liquid or pasty sample (4), which is provided in the form of drops, using nuclear magnetic resonances of the sample (4), comprising - a first plate (5) and a second plate (6), - a mechanism (7) via which a measuring position (8) and a recording position (9) can be set, wherein the first plate (5) and the second plate (6) are substantially parallel to each other in the measuring position (8), and a spacer (10) sets a defined spacing between the first plate (5) and the second plate (6), - a sensor unit (11) with a sensor component (12) which forms at least one sub-region of the first plate (5) and/or the second plate (6) and at least partly contacts the sample (4), said sensor unit (11) being designed to detect a variable which is influenced by the nuclear magnetic resonances of the sample (4), and - an analysis unit (13).