Developing a Novel Scanning Magnetic Imaging Technique for Magnetically Labeled Molecules

开发用于磁性标记分子的新型扫描磁成像技术

• 批准号: 1028328
• 负责人: Shoujun Xu
• 金额: $ 36万
• 依托单位: University of Houston
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2010-09-01 至 2013-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1028328&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Developing; Novel; Scanning; Magnetic; Imaging

The research objective of this proposal is to develop a noninvasive imaging technique for detecting magnetically labeled biological molecules with zeptomole sensitivity, micrometer spatial resolution, and a detection range of several centimeters. The technique is based on atomic magnetometry for magnetic field sensitivity and scanning imaging for spatial resolution. The research activities focus on four related areas: new-generation atomic sensors, novel imaging schemes, improved applicability, and unique biological applications.Intellectual MeritThis proposed research represents a novel approach for molecular imaging. The unique long detection range distinguishes this new technique from existing surface techniques, making it well suited for three-dimensional molecular imaging at practical settings. Design of sensors with new engineering concepts will lead to a zeptomole detection limit. Unique scanning schemes will be developed to provide high spatial resolution for three-dimensional imaging. The applicability of the technique is enhanced by eliminating the magnetic shield which is currently required for most magnetic imaging techniques. The removal of magnetic shield is facilitated by the design of new sensors and a new compensating concept to overcome the nonlinear Zeeman effect which will otherwise degrade the sensitivity. On the application front, a novel method is proposed to provide critical details regarding bond rupture that have not been revealed with existing techniques. In addition, the new technique does not require a transparent environment since the laser beam does not interact with the molecular system, contrary to optical imaging techniques; this technique detects dc magnetic signal, avoiding the limited penetration depth of ac signal in conductors, which is a problem for magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, the proposed research will have transformative impact on the field of molecular imaging.Broader ImpactsBroader impacts lie in both the research front and the educational aspect of this proposal. The proposed research will fill the technology gap between magnetic microscopy and long-distance magnetic field sensing. Consequently it will open up new imaging applications that are not experimentally feasible at present. The interdisciplinary research, which involves physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology, offers a wide range of training for students. Their education is central to this proposal, as their input determines both the success of the projects and the future of this new field. In addition, substantial effort will be continuously devoted to recruiting underrepresented undergraduate students into the research program. It is foreseeable these students will broadly impact the society in a positive manner by sharing their fruitful experiences with their classmates and friends. Outreach activities include hosting high school students during summer to work on specifically-tailored research tasks, interacting with local liberal arts colleges to expand the impact of cutting-edge research, and serving to guide worldwide science fairs held in the local area.

本提案的研究目标是开发一种非侵入性成像技术，用于检测磁标记的生物分子，具有zeptomole灵敏度，微米空间分辨率和几厘米的检测范围。该技术是基于原子磁力仪的磁场灵敏度和扫描成像的空间分辨率。研究活动集中在四个相关领域：新一代原子传感器，新颖的成像方案，改进的适用性，和独特的生物应用。智力MeritThis建议的研究代表了一种新的方法，分子成像。独特的长检测范围将这种新技术与现有的表面技术区分开来，使其非常适合在实际环境中进行三维分子成像。传感器的设计与新的工程概念将导致zeptomole检测限。将开发独特的扫描方案，为三维成像提供高空间分辨率。通过消除目前大多数磁成像技术所需的磁屏蔽，增强了该技术的适用性。通过设计新的传感器和新的补偿概念来消除磁屏蔽，以克服非线性塞曼效应，否则会降低灵敏度。在应用方面，提出了一种新的方法来提供关键的细节，尚未透露与现有技术的债券断裂。此外，与光学成像技术相反，新技术不需要透明的环境，因为激光束不与分子系统相互作用;该技术检测直流磁信号，避免了交流信号在导体中的有限穿透深度，这是磁共振成像的一个问题。因此，拟议的研究将对分子成像领域产生变革性的影响。更广泛的影响更广泛的影响在于这一建议的研究前沿和教育方面。这项研究将填补磁显微镜和远距离磁场传感之间的技术空白。因此，它将开辟目前在实验上不可行的新的成像应用。跨学科的研究，涉及物理，工程，化学和生物学，为学生提供了广泛的培训。他们的教育是这项建议的核心，因为他们的投入决定了项目的成功和这个新领域的未来。此外，大量的努力将继续致力于招募代表性不足的本科生进入研究计划。可以预见，这些学生将通过与同学和朋友分享他们丰富的经验，以积极的方式广泛影响社会。外展活动包括在夏季接待高中生从事专门定制的研究任务，与当地文理学院互动以扩大尖端研究的影响，并指导在当地举行的全球科学博览会。