Hyperpolarized Fluid Production Using Ultrasonic Droplet Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face limitations in enhancing water signals for in vivo imaging applications, and there is a need for improved methods to produce hyperpolarized fluid samples to address these limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an ultrasonic nozzle to create droplets of a precursor solution mixed with parahydrogen, followed by spin order transfer to heteronuclei, chemical processing, and separation to produce hyperpolarized fluid samples, which can be detected using NMR or MRI devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional MRI methods are used to image water molecules, then anatomical structures can be visualized, but the water signal intensity is insufficient for enhanced in vivo imaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the magnetic spin state of water molecules from thermal equilibrium to a non-equilibrium hyperpolarized state through parahydrogen-induced polarization. This changes the polarization parameter from typical MRI levels (around 10^-5) to hyperpolarized levels (10^-2 to 10^-1), dramatically enhancing the NMR signal intensity by several orders of magnitude while maintaining reliable anatomical imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-polarizing parahydrogen before introducing it to the precursor solution containing the target molecule. The parahydrogen is prepared in a specific spin state (singlet state) beforehand, which then transfers its polarization to the target molecule during a brief reaction period, enabling enhanced signal detection without requiring prolonged polarization maintenance
2Illumination intensity
If parahydrogen is introduced to precursor solution to create hyperpolarized samples, then water signal enhancement is achieved, but the production process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mixing and contact systems with an acoustic field-based approach. Ultrasonic waves are used to generate acoustic cavitation bubbles that facilitate the interaction between parahydrogen and the precursor solution. This substitution of mechanical mixing with acoustic field manipulation simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving efficient polarization transfer and hyperpolarized sample production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic cavitation bubbles as an intermediary medium to facilitate the interaction between parahydrogen and the precursor solution. These bubbles serve as a transient interface that enhances mass transfer and reaction efficiency between the gas phase parahydrogen and liquid phase precursors, enabling effective hyperpolarization without requiring direct, complex mechanical contact systems
3Productivity
If ultrasonic nozzle is used to create droplets of precursor solution, then reaction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using ultrasonic vibration at specific frequencies to generate and eject droplets from the nozzle. The ultrasonic oscillation creates periodic surface waves that lead to regular droplet formation and ejection. By controlling the ultrasonic frequency and amplitude, the system achieves consistent droplet sizes and regular ejection intervals, balancing production efficiency with acceptable manufacturing precision for hyperpolarized sample synthesis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient production and detection of hyperpolarized fluid samples with high polarization levels, suitable for in vivo imaging and metabolic studies, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods by optimizing droplet size and reaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the ultrasonic nozzle is configured to produce droplets of the sample having an average diameter of from 1 to 50 microns in a droplet distribution range of about 25 microns or less
Implementation Method 2
the system is configured to expose the parahydrogen and the droplets of the precursor to one another, leading to the formation of the hyperpolarized fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems and methods of making, processing, and purifying hyperpolarized fluid samples and fractions thereof as well as detecting and using the hyperpolarized fluid samples. The present disclosure provides for methods and systems of making hyperpolarized fluid sample (e.g., hyperpolarized target molecules), which can be analyzed using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection device.