SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING PARAMAGNETIC AGENTS FOR IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS

摘要

The present invention discloses a method and systems for detecting a target biochemical molecular species whose main component is water. In one aspect, the method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining a sample whose main component is water; (b) providing Functionalized Paramagnetic Particles (FPP) comprising a paramagnetic core and a moiety configured to interact with the target biochemical molecular species; (c) contacting the FPP with the sample; (d) exposing the sample to an applied magnetic field; (e) measuring a change in a nuclear relaxation property of the sample, caused by the interaction between the FPP and the biochemical molecular species in the applied magnetic field; and (f) correlating the change to the presence of the biochemical molecular species in the sample. According to a main aspect of the invention, a change in T.sub.1 nuclear relaxation property of the water protons in the sample is correlated to the presence of the target biochemical molecular species.

主权项

1. A method for detecting a target biochemical molecular species in a sample whose main component is water, comprising the steps of:
a. obtaining a sample whose main component is water; b. providing Functionalized Paramagnetic Particles (FPP) comprising a paramagnetic core and a moiety configured to interact with said target biochemical molecular species; c. contacting said FPP with said sample; d. exposing said sample to an applied magnetic field; e. measuring a change in a nuclear relaxation property of said sample, caused by said interaction between said FPP and said biochemical molecular species in the applied magnetic field with a magnetic resonance device (MRD); and f. correlating said change to the presence of said biochemical molecular species in said sample;wherein a change in T.sub.1 nuclear relaxation property of the water protons in said sample is correlated to the presence of said target biochemical molecular species; andwherein said FPP comprises a non ferrous oxide paramagnetic core.