Minimally invasive spectroscopic micronutrient detection from 1µl human blood
A novel spectroscopic platform using FTIR and Raman techniques provides minimally invasive, real-time micronutrient profiling from a single drop of blood. This dual-spectroscopy method detects vitamins and minerals with high accuracy, supported by AI-driven analysis.
Overview
This groundbreaking platform uses Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy to enable minimally invasive, real-time profiling of micronutrients from just 1µl of human serum. By quantifying molecular vibrations and detecting metal ions, this dual-spectroscopy method allows for accurate micronutrient detection without the need for labels. The platform's AI model enhances detection by analyzing shifts in absorption spectra to determine concentrations above or below healthy baselines. This technology is not only precise but also scalable to other biological fluids like saliva or urine.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes FTIR spectroscopy to detect vitamins and minerals through infrared-active functional groups.
- Raman spectroscopy provides orthogonal validation of vibrational modes and vitamin conformations.
- Gaussian deconvolution of absorption spectra enables micronutrient concentration estimation.
- AI-driven analysis identifies shifts in metalloprotein binding, enhancing detection accuracy.
- Supports minimally invasive sampling with only 1µl of serum.
Applications:
- Real-time micronutrient profiling in medical diagnostics
- Potential extension to saliva or urine for non-blood samples
- Provides comprehensive vitamin and mineral analysis in clinical settings
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology is in the experimental proof of concept stage. Ongoing validation includes acquiring reference samples, developing AI models, and testing additional patient samples to enhance accuracy. Calibration curves and validation with Raman/MS are planned, along with opportunities for client sample verification.
About Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a comprehensive public research university in downtown Atlanta, serving a large and diverse student body with a rapidly growing research enterprise. An urban innovation district and co-located collaboration spaces link faculty and students with corporate partners for prototyping, user testing, and joint problem-solving. Shared core laboratories and campus computing resources support industry-sponsored work, while proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters, major hospital systems, and the CDC enables quick access to real-world testbeds. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation to speed commercialization.
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