NMR systems for in vivo detection of analytes
AssigneeT2 Biosystems, Inc.
InventorsW. David Lee, David A. Berry
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Abstract
This invention relates generally to NMR systems for in vivo detection of analytes. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to systems in which superparamagnetic nanoparticles are exposed to a magnetic field and radio frequency (RF) excitation at or near the Larmor frequency, such that the aggregation and/or disaggregation of the nanoparticles caused by the presence and/or concentration of a given analyte in a biological fluid is detected in vivo from a monitored RF echo response.
Claims18
A method for assessing the presence or concentration of an analyte contained in a body fluid of a mammal in-vivo using a nuclear magnetic resonance system, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) implanting partially or completely a sensor of the nuclear magnetic resonance system within the mammal's body, the sensor comprising structure defining a sample volume and a port, the sample volume containing magnetic particles, and the port allowing the analyte to enter the sample volume and preventing, partly or completely, the magnetic particles from leaving the sample volume, the extent of aggregation of the magnetic particles being indicative of the presence or concentration of the analyte in the sample volume;
- (b) calculating a Larmor frequency within the sample volume or a portion thereof;
- (c) applying a probe radiofrequency pulse sequence at or near the Larmor frequency to part or all of the sample volume from a reader positioned outside the mammal's body in the presence of a magnetic field to induce echo radiofrequency signals;
- and
- (d) assessing the presence or concentration of the analyte from the echo radiofrequency signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.