# Novel Sample Introduction Methodologies for Molecular Rotational Resonance (MRR) Spectroscopy

> **NIH NIH R44** · BRIGHTSPEC, INC. · 2024 · $646,725

## Abstract

BrightSpec Inc. NIH SBIR Application
Project Summary
Novel Sample Introduction Methodologies for Molecular Rotational Resonance (MRR) Spectroscopy
NIH SBIR Direct to Phase II
BrightSpec, Inc.
Project Summary
This project proposes to develop a new analyte sampling technique for Molecular Rotational
Resonance (MRR) spectrometers for the volatilization of solid phase analytes. The proposed
system, Laser Induced Acoustic Desorption (LIAD), will enable a large number of important
compounds to be accessible by MRR, enhancing our understanding in several important areas of
research and accelerating pharmaceutical development. The resulting expansion of sampling
range and corresponding utility of this valuable technique will greatly accelerate the adoption of
MRR in important areas of research and development.
MRR is a spectroscopic technique for unambiguous structure determination and quantitation of
small molecules, which has been used for decades in academic research laboratories, but only
recently commercialized after the recent achievement of several groundbreaking innovations.
MRR excels in structural and isomeric analysis, providing a detail of information like nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR), but at a much lower cost and faster speed, with reduced method
development. Through working on a final piece of the puzzle, the development of new sampling
techniques, BrightSpec seeks to unlock the full analytical potential of this powerful analytical
technique to broaden its use throughout a range of applications, including metabolomics, drug
discovery, natural product analysis, and the monitoring of environmental pollutants.
BrightSpec has evaluated several sampling techniques for volatilization of solid samples and Laser
Induced Acoustic Desorption (LIAD) was determined to be uniquely suitable for incorporation
with MRR, as the sensitivity of results with these instruments can be adversely affected by the
presence of solvents. BrightSpec has evaluated several sampling techniques for volatilization of
solid samples and Laser Induced Acoustic Desorption (LIAD was determined to be uniquely
suitable for combination with MRR, as the sensitivity of results with these instruments can be
adversely affected by the presence of solvents. The project would be conducted by BrightSpec in
collaboration with Kenttämaa Labs at Purdue University, which has been developing the LIAD
technique for use with mass spectrometry for over 20 years and holds several LIAD-related
patents.
A proof-of-concept prototype LIAD-MRR instrument has been used to demonstrate the viability
of coupling the two techniques. This preliminary work has de-risked this proposed Phase II project,
which involves refinement of the prototype to develop a product with the necessary sensitivity,
speed, and ease-of-use to facilitate commercial adoption. The resulting product will then be tested
thoroughly on relevant samples in market areas where LIAD-MRR is expected to have the greatest
impact. Several pro...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10805502
- **Project number:** 5R44GM146526-02
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHTSPEC, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Voislav Blagojevic
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $646,725
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-03-15 → 2026-03-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10805502

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10805502, Novel Sample Introduction Methodologies for Molecular Rotational Resonance (MRR) Spectroscopy (5R44GM146526-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10805502. Licensed CC0.

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