Development of an Ultra-Small-Volume Detection and Sample Delivery System for Exploring Microscale Heterogeneity with NMR
EMSL Project ID
49151
Abstract
Microscale heterogeneity plays a key role in determining the outcome of attempts to decrease pollution, optimize industrial production for biotechnology, or understand cellular-level processes. Because of the unique capability of NMR to characterize biological and chemical systems in detail without significantly perturbing them, we seek to extend the reach of NMR spectroscopy to routine analysis of microscopic samples and enable it as a tool for studying the microscale variations that limit scientific, industrial, and medical capabilities. The current generation of commercial small-volume NMR detectors requires sample volumes of 5-10 ?L, and we intend to show that high-resolution NMR can be used for practical studies of volumes that are several orders of magnitude smaller, allowing for novel studies that address individual microsystems such as cells and aerosol particles. The methods and instrumentation that we are developing integrate high-resolution NMR spectroscopy with lab-on-a-chip technology for studying samples with volumes in the range of tens to hundreds of picoliters. Target applications will include cellular bioengineering, production of biofuels and biochemicals, analysis of metabolites, study of the structure and dynamics of aerosol particles, and characterization of batteries and battery materials.
Project Details
Start Date
2015-11-10
End Date
2016-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Butler M, HS Mehta, Y Chen, PN Reardon, RS Renslow, M Khbeis, D Irish, and KT Mueller. 2017. "Toward high-resolution NMR spectroscopy of microscopic liquid samples." Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP 19(22):14256-14261. doi:10.1039/c7cp01933e
Chen Y, HS Mehta, M Butler, ED Walter, PN Reardon, RS Renslow, KT Mueller, and NM Washton. 2017. "High-Resolution Microstrip NMR Detectors for Subnanoliter Samples." Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP 19(41):28163-28174. doi:10.1039/c7cp03933f