RELAX-MAX · Launching high-resolution relaxometry - A powerful new analytical tool for industry

Analytical methods are essential in many industries, such as chemistry, energy, pharmaceutical, and in health services. These methods usually fall into one of two categories: they either identify molecules and their structures or determine the properties of a fluid or a solid. This project will introduce a game-changing method to industry: high-resolution relaxometry in NMR, a label-free method, which combines both approaches as it identifies molecules and characterizes their individual properties within a complex fluid. The main goal of this project is to open a new market for high-resolution relaxometry instrumentation and methods in industry and health services. We have developed innovative hardware, methods, and software for applications of high-resolution relaxometry in biophysics during our ERC StG project. Introducing high-resolution relaxometry to industry will vastly expand what is currently a small budding market for academic users. This project will be carried out with our long-term partner, Bruker Biospin, the world leader in NMR instrumentation. Our strategy is to (1) identify competition and sectors of industry and high-potential end users that will benefit from this ground-breaking method; (2) improve the relaxometry hardware; (3) collaborate with target companies, including initiated work within the chemistry/energy and the pharmaceutical sectors, as well as a laboratory with links to health services; (4) demonstrate the potential of high-resolution relaxometry (e.g. better characterization of raw materials, enhanced processes, or new information for medical diagnostics). This strategy will lay the ground for the commercial deployment of high-resolution relaxometry in industry and health services. Overall, this project will have significant economic impact: new markets for instrumentation and enhanced competitiveness for end users, as well as society benefits in human health with the modernization of diagnostics towards personalized medicine.