Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Technology

For the sensitive and quantitative measurement of protein biomarkers, pathogens, and cells in clinical samples, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offer unique advantages over traditional detection methods. Specifically, due to the inherently negligible magnetic background of biological material, MNPs can be used to obtain highly sensitive measurements in minimally processed samples. Our detection platform, termed diagnostic magnetic resonance (DMR), exploits MNPs to modulate the nuclear magnetic spin-spin relaxation time of water. Here, we review work done by our group to develop more effective MNP biosensors, advanced conjugational strategies to target the MNPs to molecular targets, and highly sensitive miniaturized NMR systems. We demonstrate this platform as a robust and easy-to-use system for the detection of a wide range of targets in clinical settings including whole cells, proteins, DNA/mRNA, metabolites, drugs, viruses, and bacteria.