UrFU Scientists Create Device for Diagnosing Oncology Diseases

11:57, June 20, 2019

While simple in principle, the device has wide scope of application

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer “Labrador” surpassing foreign counterparts was developed by the Ural Federal University scientists. The device is designed to determine the chemical composition of organic and inorganic substances at the molecular level.

The developers emphasize that only the EPR method makes it possible to detect free radicals (particles containing one or several unpaired electrons on the outer electron shell and having paramagnetic properties) in 100% of the cases. Typical free radicals are oxygen atoms; therefore, an excessive amount of free radicals leads to oxidation, rapid deterioration of products, aging and death of organisms, including people.

The spectrometer’s principle of operation is quite simple. A magnetic field is created inside the device in which the sample is placed. Meanwhile, all free radicals present in the sample and which are molecular magnets are arranged and oriented along the device’s field. Following that, the sample is subjected to microwave radiation. Depending on the number and the type of free radicals, selective (resonant) absorption of microwave radiation occurs, which the device registers. Analyzing the absorption energy and intensity, type and amount of free radicals are determined.

‘We use a hybrid solution to create a magnetic field: in our case, not powerful (and therefore heavy and large) electromagnetic systems are used, but a combination of many small permanent magnets and small electromagnetic coils. This makes our device compact and lightweight,’ Andrey Tararkov, head of the development team, says. ‘Moreover, we use the original, innovative way to register the EPR signal. In our case, several interconnected microwave radiation sources are used, and they are detected simultaneously. Because of this, we retain the accuracy and sensitivity inherent in large and expensive laboratory instruments.’

That being said, if the German counterparts weigh about 5 tons and cost 1.5-2 million euros, the weight of this device is only 14 kilograms, and the cost starts at 3 million rubles. These advantages expand the possibilities of using the technology proposed by the UrFU scientists significantly.

In particular, the device can be used to control the production and storage of food (meat, canned food, pastries, refined sunflower oil and fats, tea, coffee, juice, alcoholic beverages, etc.), namely, those processes where oxidation occurs and free radicals are formed. Data reflecting the normal state of a substance and different degrees of its deviation from the norm, deterioration are loaded into the computer memory of the device.

‘Besides that, “Labrador” can detect radiation-treated products and determine the radiation dose. It is no secret that, for example, spices and dried fruits coming from the countries of Southeast Asia and China are exposed to radiation for the purposes of destroying microorganisms and extending the products’ shelf life,’ Andrey Tararkov adds.

Small doses of radiation are considered harmless, however, large doses can lead to cancer, and affect offspring.

‘To date, there are no tools to determine the level of radiation exposure of products accurately. Existing detectors give an error of about 40%. “Labrador” determines the exact dose of radiation according to the number of free radicals in the product. Having used the “Labrador” to determine the difference between the acceptable and actual amount of free radicals, one can stop their “reproduction” by applying antioxidants,’ Alexander Cherepanov, Deputy Director of the UrFU Center for Enterprise Relations, Ph.D in Physics and Mathematics, comments.

Other applications of the device are pharmaceuticals and medicine. It can be used to control the process of producing substances for the preparation of drugs, in monitoring the transportation of drugs in the human body, or early health conditions diagnostics.

‘The human body is 80% fluids. These are blood, tears, saliva, sweat, etc. Changes in health status also lead to changes in the composition of these biological fluids. Analyzing them makes it possible to determine health problems at the stage of the early onset of a disease,’ Alexander Cherepanov explains.

Moreover, Andrey Tararkov clarifies: it is very important to note that “Labrador” is able to diagnose oncology diseases, and at the very early stages of their development and regardless of the location of the cancer cells.

Labrador's areas of application are endless: radiation dosimetry; mineral exploration; exploration and development of oil fields; quality control of the waterused used to increase oil recovery; quality control of textile production, synthetic rubber, polymers; selection of agricultural plants; studying minerals, rocks and crystals, dating of early human artifacts.

Ekaterinburg scientists’ invention received the support of the Foundation for Assistance to the Development of Small-Scale Enterprises in the Scientific and Technical Sphere (Innovation Assistance Fund). The “Spectr” enterprise, created by the “Labrador” developers and producing the spectrometer, is a resident of the Skolkovo innovation center. Participation in the project of the largest Russian innovative organizations has significantly improved the device. Currently, it is used in basic and applied research by the leading universities in the country: in Novosibirsk, Kazan, Ural Federal Universities and others.