Pocket MRS: Mobile application for rapid analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy

This technology is a mobile app that enables easy identification of metabolites in magnetic resonance (MR) spectra.

Unmet Need: Simple and portable tool for analyzing MR spectra

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive diagnostic test for measuring biochemical changes in tissues. Due to their complexity, MR spectra and associated metabolic information can be difficult to grasp. Moreover, spectra acquired with MRS can consist of multiple signals, which are hard to interpret without prior knowledge or expertise. Currently, MRS analysis requires specialized software. Considering that we live in a smart phone era, a mobile and user-friendly platform would greatly enhance MRS data analysis.

The Technology: Helpful and accessible tool for analyzing MRS in multiple tissues

This technology is a mobile app that analyzes MRS by investigating J-coupling, estimating signal-to-noise ratios, and observing magnetic field inhomogeneity. The spectra are based on simulations performed in the Magnetic Resonance Spectrum Simulator (MARSS) for brain, liver, muscle, and other tissues. Additionally, the app consists of libraries detailing the biological functions, chemical shifts, and J-coupling constants of most observed metabolites. This technology is intended to be a quick, convenient, and helpful reference for students, medical professionals, and researchers engaging with in vivo MRS applications.

Applications:

• MRS reference and educational tool
• Metabolite information repository for streamlining MRS applications
• Research tool for characterizing metabolites via MRS

Advantages:

• Enables signal processing in real-time
• Portable
• Applicable to a variety of tissue types
• Simplifies analysis of spectra with multiple signals
• Contains detailed information on most observed metabolites

Lead Inventor:

Christoph Juchem, Ph.D.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU21108

• Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez