Tackling Sensitivity and Spectral Crowding: Establishing Portable Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) as an Essential Scientific Tool

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This project specifically tackles the fundamental science that requires improvement to overcome key hurdles and in turn make miniaturized portable low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) a reality. NMR spectroscopy is the most powerful detector in modern science with the ability to detect and quantify any organic molecules in complex mixtures or in living systems. However, research instruments typically cost $millions and use large super conducting magnets that cannot be moved. While NMR can be performed on low field portable permanent magnets, low sensitivity and spectral overlap, currently hamper its wide spread application. In this research, sensitivity is addressed through the development of microcoil arrays, while overlap is tackled through new spectroscopic concepts that target only the compounds of interest thus negating overlap. The long term aims of Synex Medical are to build upon the fundamental results from this project to eventually develop wearable NMR technology to monitor metabolite processes in-vivo. Such technology could be used to monitor/diagnose disease or track any process that impacts metabolism such as dieting or exercise. The Environmental NMR Center's (University of Toronto) ultimate goal is to adapt the technology for Environmental applications. One example would be to pre-program the spectroscopic filters to select for aquatic contaminants of interest and then drop the tiny sensors into groundwater for economical, real-time and unmanned aquifer monitoring. While the NMR center's goal is environmental applications and Synex's goal is medical applications, the fundamental science and microcoil technology would be identical for both applications, as well as form the basis for the development of mobile NMR in general.