A simple mucus sample can reveal a great deal about the health of the lungs.

The research group from the University of Trieste, composed of Gabriele Grassi, Mario Grassi, Michela Abrami, Alice Biasin, Domenico Tierno and Federica Tonon, has developed an innovative software, SOFT NMR, which makes novel use of a flexible and affordable instrument: low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR).

This unique test, the only one of its kind worldwide, measures ‘how the hydrogen atoms behave’ in the water contained in sputum and translates that signal into a reliable indicator of pulmonary function and inflammation.

We spoke with Gabriele Grassi, Mario Grassi and Michela Abrami about how the idea was born and led to a potentially groundbreaking patent.

The SOFT NMR project could mark a turning point in the treatment of respiratory diseases. What exactly does it involve?

The project aims to create a new method to assess lung function. Based on the use of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), the method can detect pathological alterations in the sputum of patients affected by pulmonary diseases. In particular, this approach will make it possible to evaluate viscosity, elasticity, solid content and the size distribution of the polymeric network that permeates mucus, all parameters closely related to the patient’s clinical condition.

What type of patients could benefit from it?

It will be especially useful for people affected by chronic productive pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both characterised by dense mucus that is difficult to expel. The test will also benefit patients with asthma.

How did the idea come about to change the ‘intended use’ of a device originally designed for something completely different?

The idea was conceived about ten years ago during a PRIN project when, while discussing with other colleagues, we realised that LF-NMR could be applied to study the properties of sputum. Normally, LF-NMR is used for quality control in the food industry. It is a relatively inexpensive and easily transportable analytical instrument and could therefore become part of the standard equipment of hospitals.

What advantages does your invention offer?

Our method is rapid, low-cost, repeatable without limitation, non-invasive for the patient, does not require highly specialised personnel and can be performed during an outpatient visit.

A sample of sputum is collected from the patient and analysed by our software integrated into a bench-top low-field NMR device, a completely standard, non-hazardous instrument affordable for any healthcare facility. In a very short time, the device provides results that can support rapid clinical decisions on the type and duration of treatment.

Which research and industrial partners are involved in the project?

Supporting the transfer to market is PROTOS, a research centre active in biopolymers, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics, bringing key expertise in development and patent protection.

The clinical network involved includes the Research Hospital Burlo Garofolo in Trieste, the Pulmonology Unit of Cattinara Hospital (Trieste), the Radiology Department of Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, and the Department of Radiology of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam.