NMR analysis on microfluidic devices by remote detection

TitleNMR analysis on microfluidic devices by remote detection
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsMcDonnell E.E, Han S.L, Hilty C., Pierce K.L, Pines A
JournalAnalytical Chemistry
Volume77
Issue24
Pagination8109-8114
Date PublishedDec 15
ISBN Number0003-2700
Accession NumberWOS:000234079200034
Keywordsprobes
Abstract

We present a novel approach to perform high-sensitivity NMR imaging and spectroscopic analysis on microfluidic devices. The application of NMR, the most information-rich spectroscopic technique, to microfluidic devices remains a challenge because the inherently low sensitivity of NMR is aggravated by small fluid volumes leading to low NMR signal and geometric constraints resulting in poor efficiency for inductive detection. We address the latter by physically separating signal detection from encoding of information with remote detection. Thereby, we use a commercial imaging probe with sufficiently large diameter to encompass the entire device, enabling encoding of NMR information at any location on the chip. Because large-diameter coils are too insensitive for detection, we store the encoded information as longitudinal magnetization and flow it into the outlet capillary. There, we detect the signal with optimal sensitivity, using a solenoidal microcoil, and reconstruct the information encoded in the fluid. We present a generally applicable design for a detection-only microcoil probe that can be inserted into the bore of a commercial imaging probe. Using hyperpolarized Xe-129 gas, we show that this probe enables sensitive reconstruction of NMR spectroscopic information encoded by the large imaging probe while keeping the flexibility of a large coil.

URL<Go to ISI>://WOS:000234079200034
DOI10.1021/Ac051320+
Short TitleNMR analysis on microfluidic devices by remote detection
Download Publication: