Technology Overview
T2 Biosystems' MRD™ detection technology consists of two main components, both revolutionary in their own ways:
- proprietary, magnetic nanoparticles designed to bind with specific analytes (markers in blood or other biofluid that indicate particular conditions)
- proprietary, small-scale magnetic resonance-based instruments that measure and record signals given off when the specialized nanoparticles bind with analyte.
The nanoparticles can be designed to bind with a wide range of analytes to detect various targeted conditions. The particles are composed of a superparamagnetic metal core surrounded by a polymer layer decorated by multiple analyte-specific binding agents. Due to their coating and small size, the particles are highly soluble and offer rapid kinetics. In the presence of analyte, the particles transition between dispersed and clustered states. The presence of analyte results in a change in a characteristic signal that can be measured by magnetic resonance detectors.
T2Dx™ instruments, which detect the nanoparticle reactions, will be based on clinically-proven MRI technology. However, conventional MRI instruments are used for whole-body imaging, and require large components—limiting their range of application. T2Dx instruments, on the other hand, are highly miniaturized with much less complex electronics, so they can be small and portable, and can analyze tiny samples.
T2 Biosystems' system is easy to use and provides rapid results. Technicians place a small sample of a patient’s blood, saliva, urine or other biofluid in a small tube along with a solution containing the specialized particles. The T2Dx instrument is then used to analyze whether and, in some cases, to what extent the particles have bound with the analytes in question.
The results can be available within minutes—thus allowing health professionals to make medical decisions almost immediately.