Resonance Detectors

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Abstract The technology provides a module including a microcoil possessing an inner diameter of between 25 microns and 550 microns, a conduit disposed proximate to the microcoil, in which the conduit is in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, an affinity column in fluid communication with the conduit and the sample reservoir, and a connector for connecting the module to a magnetic resonance detector.   Background: A variety of experiments in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) could benefit from miniaturization of the detector coil. When samples are mass-limited, reducing the detection volume to match the sample size offers enhanced Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) performance. To date, efforts made to perfect high-resolution spectroscopy in very small coils have not been suitably effective, particularly in developing portable detection devices. The integration of NMR with separation techniques such as chromatography or capillary electrophoresis proceeds more naturally when the NMR detection volume can be made compatible with the very small sample volumes and fluid handling tubing typical of the separation step. While some progress has been made in developing portable microcoil-based NMR systems, devices that provide improved SNR, line width performance, and other benefits would be of great value to the art. Such improvements not only will greatly improve detection capabilities, but also would allow further reductions in sample volume and further miniaturization of the device.   Description Researchers have developed novel microcoil magnetic resonance based modules, detection devices, and methods for their use. In particular, the methods concern the detection of a target in a sample fluid, comprising magnetically labeling targets of interest in a sample fluid and subjecting the sample fluid to an NMR analysis. The technology provides a module including a microcoil possessing an inner diameter of between 25 microns and 550 microns, a conduit disposed proximate to the microcoil, in which the conduit is in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, an affinity column in fluid communication with the conduit and the sample reservoir, and a connector for connecting the module to a magnetic resonance detector.    Advantages: Stationary magnetic target can be detected many times, confirming the positive detection Improves detection accuracy and precision Eliminates the need for a separate elution step, which can be time consuming and damaging to the targets Improved SNR and line width performance as well as increased functionality Applications in medical diagnostics and chemical analysis