Hyperpolarized Material Generation via NOE Transfer for NMR Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies suffer from limited sensitivity due to minute nuclear polarization, which restricts their applications and requires impractically long times or materials for analysis.

Innovation Solution

The intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) is used to transfer polarization from a polarized source compound to a target compound, enabling nuclear spin polarization enhancements up to 1730 times the thermal equilibrium level without requiring cryogenic conditions or high magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional NMR/MRI is used, then the technology is simple and widely applicable, but the nuclear polarization is minute (10^-5) resulting in limited sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNMR sensitivityVSAvoidpolarization enhancement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a source compound as an intermediary to transfer nuclear spin polarization to the target analyte. The source compound (e.g., naphthalene-d8) is first hyperpolarized using optical pumping via triplet states, then mixed with the target compound, and polarization is transferred through intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE), enabling sensitivity enhancement without directly polarizing the target

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by using optical pumping to create non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization in the source compound. This involves using laser excitation to populate triplet states, which then transfer polarization to nuclear spins, achieving polarization levels (1-50%) far exceeding thermal equilibrium values

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If dynamic nuclear polarization is used to increase nuclear spin polarization, then sensitivity increases 10,000 times or more, but the enhanced polarization decays over time due to relaxation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNMR signal sensitivityVSAvoidpolarization duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary hyperpolarization of the source compound before mixing it with the target analyte. The source compound is optically pumped to achieve high nuclear spin polarization, then this pre-polarized source is mixed with the target and polarization is transferred via NOE, allowing the target to be detected during its relaxation period without requiring the target itself to be maintained in a polarized state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If higher magnetic fields are used to improve NMR sensitivity, then polarization increases, but the equipment complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNMR sensitivityVSAvoidmagnetic field requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/apparatus-based approach of using high magnetic fields with an optical approach. Instead of relying on strong magnetic fields to increase polarization, the method uses optical pumping with lasers to excite triplet states in the source compound, which then transfer polarization to nuclear spins, achieving high sensitivity at conventional magnetic field strengths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method achieves significant NMR signal enhancements, allowing for high-resolution NMR spectra and new applications such as in vivo metabolism imaging and accelerated spectroscopy investigations.

Implementation Method 1

The intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect can be used to transfer polarization from a polarized source compound to a target compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear Overhauser effect (NOE):

Implementation Method 2

a first non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization can be imparted to at least one source atom of a source compound using optical pumping with 532 nanometer (nm) excitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical pumping:

Implementation Method 3

The 532 nm laser light can be used to excite a triplet state in the naphthalene-d8, for example

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriplet state excitation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260043879A1Systems and methods for generation of hyperpolarized materials

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NVISION QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for increasing a nuclear spin polarization of a target compound. In accordance with such systems and methods, a first non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization can be imparted to at least one source atom of a source compound, the source atom having a nuclear gyromagnetic ratio of at least 12 megahertz per tesla (MHz/T). A first solution can be obtained that includes the source compound and a target compound. The at least one source atom can be present in a source concentration of at least 0.1 molar (M) in the first solution. A second non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization of at least 0.01% can be imparted to the at least one target atom of the target compound via a nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) transfer of the first non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization to the at least one target atom.