Comparison of the performance of round and rectangular wire in small solenoids for high-field NMR

Coil optimization for low-field MRI: a dedicated process for small animal preclinical studies

We demonstrate a method for the fast in vivo quantification of small volumes, down to 25 µL, using low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coils. The coils were designed so as to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the images. For this we developed an analytical model for describing the variations of the SNR with coil design and with size/shape suited to the object under observation. Based on the conclusions drawn from the model, the coil parameters were chosen in order to reach an SNR close to the maximum. For the validation of the model, coils were finally characterized in terms of quality factor using saline phantoms. The coil design procedure is illustrated here with two examples: first, the quantification of about 200 µL of intradermal injected gel on rabbits with a single loop surface coil and second, the imaging of the intervertebral disks in rat tails using a small volume coil to detect possible lesions. Such studies would not have been feasible for the clinical low-field MRI system at our disposal using any of the commercially available medium-sized manufactured coils. As a result of this simple optimization procedure, a wide range of applications is accessible even at low magnetic fields, leading to new opportunities for low-cost, though efficient, preclinical studies.

The quiet renaissance of protein nuclear magnetic resonance

From roughly 1985 through the start of the new millennium, the cutting edge of solution protein nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was to a significant extent driven by the aspiration to determine structures. Here we survey recent advances in protein NMR that herald a renaissance in which a number of its most important applications reflect the broad problem-solving capability displayed by this method during its classical era during the 1970s and early 1980s.

NMR probes for measuring magnetic fields and field dynamics in MR systems

High-resolution magnetic field probes based on pulsed liquid-state NMR are presented. Static field measurements with an error of 10 nanotesla or less at 3 tesla are readily obtained in 100 ms. The further ability to measure dynamic magnetic fields results from using small ( approximately 1 microL) droplets of MR-active liquid surrounded by susceptibility-matched materials. The consequent high field homogeneity allows free induction decay signals lasting 100 ms or more to be readily achieved. The small droplet dimensions allow the magnetic field to be measured even in the presence of large gradients. Highly sensitive detection yields sufficient SNR to follow the relevant field evolution without signal averaging and at bandwidths up to hundreds of kHz. Transient, nonreproducible effects and drifts are thus readily monitored. The typical application of k-space trajectory mapping has been demonstrated. Potential further applications include characterization, tuning, and maintenance of gradient systems as well as the mapping of the static field distribution of MRI magnets. Connection of the probes to a standard MR spectrometer is similar to that used for imaging coils.

Towards dynamic metabolic network measurements by multi-dimensional NMR-based fluxomics

Novel technologies for measuring biological systems and methods for visualizing data have led to a revolution in the life sciences. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques can provide information on metabolite structure and metabolic dynamics at the atomic level. We have been developing a new method for measuring the dynamic metabolic network of crude extracts that combines [(13)C(6)]glucose stable isotope labeling of Arabidopsis thaliana and multi-dimensional heteronuclear NMR analysis, whereas most conventional metabolic flux analyses examine proteinogenic amino acids that are specifically labeled with partially labeled substrates such as [2-(13)C(1)]glucose or 10% [(13)C(6)]glucose. To show the validity of our method, we investigated how to obtain information about biochemical reactions, C-C bond formation, and the cleavage of the main metabolites, such as free amino acids, in crude extracts based on the analysis of the (13)C-(13)C coupling pattern in 2D-NMR spectra. For example, the combination of different extraction solvents allows one to distinguish complicated (13)C-(13)C fine couplings at the C2 position of amino acids. As another approach, f1-f3 projection of the HCACO spectrum also helps in the analysis of (13)C-(13)C connectivities. Using these new methods, we present an example that involves monitoring the incorporation profile of [(13)C(6)]glucose into A. thaliana and its metabolic dynamics, which change in a time-dependent manner with atmospheric (12)CO(2) assimilation.

Estimation and measurement of flat or solenoidal coil inductance for radiofrequency NMR coil design

The inductance of a radiofrequency coil determines its compatibility with a given NMR probe circuit. However, calculation (or estimation) of inductance for radiofrequency coils of dimensions suitable for use in an NMR probe is not trivial, particularly for flat-coils. A comparison of a number of formulae for calculation of inductance is presented through the use of a straightforward inductance measurement circuit. This technique relies upon instrumentation available in many NMR laboratories rather than upon more expensive and specialized instrumentation often utilized in the literature. Inductance estimation methods are suggested and validated for both flat-coils and solenoids. These have proven very useful for fabrication of a number of new coils in our laboratory for use in static solid-state NMR probes operating at (1)H frequencies of 300 and 600MHz. Solenoidal coils with very similar measured and estimated inductances having inner diameters from 1 to 5mm are directly compared as an example of the practical application of inductance estimation for interchange of coils within an existing solid-state NMR probe.

Ultra-small-sample molecular structure detection using microslot waveguide nuclear spin resonance

We here report on the design of a planar microslot waveguide NMR probe with an induction element that can be fabricated at scales from centimeters to nanometers to allow analysis of biomolecules at nano- or picomole quantities, reducing the required amount of materials by several orders of magnitude. This device demonstrates the highest signal-to-noise ratio for a planar detector to date, measured by using the anomeric proton signal from a 15.6-nmol sample of sucrose. This probe had a linewidth of 1.1 Hz for pure water without susceptibility matching. Analysis of 1.57 nmol of ribonuclease-A shows high sensitivity in one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra. Along with reducing required sample volumes, this integrated geometry can be packed in parallel arrays and combined with microfluidic systems. Further development of this device may have broad implications not only for advancing our understanding of many intractable protein structures and their folding, molecular interactions, and dynamic behaviors, but also for high-sensitivity diagnosis of a number of protein conformational diseases.

Radio frequency coil technology for small-animal MRI

A review of the theory, technology, and use of radio frequency (RF) coils for small-animal MRI is presented. It includes a brief overview of MR signal-to-noise (S/N) analysis and discussions of the various coils commonly used in small-animal MR: surface coils, linear volume coils, birdcages, and their derivatives. The scope is limited to mid-range coils, i.e. coils where the product (fd) of the frequency f and the coil diameter d is in the range 2-30 MHz-m. Common applications include mouse brain and body coils from 125 to 750 MHz, rat body coils up to 500 MHz, and small surface coils at all fields. In this regime, all the sources of loss (coil, capacitor, sample, shield, and transmission lines) are important. All such losses may be accurately captured in some modern full-wave 3D electromagnetics software, and new simulation results are presented for a selection of surface coils using Microwave Studio 2006 by Computer Simulation Technology, showing the dramatic importance of the "lift-off effect". Standard linear circuit simulators have been shown to be useful in optimization of complex coil tuning and matching circuits. There appears to be considerable potential for trading S/N for speed using phased arrays, especially for a larger field of view. Circuit simulators are shown to be useful for optimal mismatching of ultra-low-noise preamps based on the enhancement-mode pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor for optimal coil decoupling in phased arrays. Cryogenically cooled RF coils are shown to offer considerable opportunity for future gains in S/N in smaller samples.

Nuclear magnetic resonance of mass-limited samples using small RF coils

Figure Schematic diagram of a typical arrangement used for hyphenating chemical microseparations (e.g. capillary HPLC, CE, or CEC) with microcoil NMR detection.

Single insect NMR: A new tool to probe chemical biodiversity

Because of analytical limitations, multiple animals or plants are typically required to identify natural products. Using a unique 1-mm high-temperature superconducting NMR probe, we directly examined the chemical composition of defensive secretions from walking stick insects. Individual milkings were dissolved in D2O without purification and examined by NMR within 10 min of secretion. We found that Anisomorpha buprestoides secretes similar quantities of glucose and mixtures of monoterpene dialdehydes that are stereoisomers of dolichodial. Different individual animals produce different stereoisomeric mixtures, the ratio of which varies between individual animals raised in the same container and fed the same food. Another walking stick, Peruphasma schultei, also secretes glucose and a single, unique stereoisomer that we are naming "peruphasmal". These observations suggest a previously unrecognized significance of aqueous components in walking stick defensive sprays. Single-insect variability of venom demonstrates the potential importance of chemical biodiversity at the level of individual animals.