Hyperpolarized Materials via NOE Transfer for NMR/MRI Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies face limitations due to minute nuclear polarization, leading to reduced sensitivity compared to other analytic techniques like mass spectrometry, which hinders applications such as in vivo metabolism imaging and impractical time/material consumption.
Innovation Solution
The intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) is used to transfer polarization from a polarized source compound to a target compound, enabling non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization levels of at least 0.01% in the target compound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional NMR/MRI is used with thermal equilibrium polarization, then the technology is simple and widely accessible, but the sensitivity is limited to about 10^-5
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-polarizing a source compound (like xenon-129) using optical pumping to create non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization before the actual NMR/MRI measurement. This pre-prepared polarized source compound is then introduced into the NMR/MRI system, eliminating the need for complex in-situ polarization generation equipment while achieving enhanced sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (source compound such as xenon-129) that acts as a polarization carrier. The source compound is polarized separately using optical pumping, then serves as a mediator to transfer polarization enhancement to the target analyte during the NMR/MRI measurement, thereby improving sensitivity without directly polarizing the target molecule.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic nuclear polarization is used to increase nuclear spin polarization, then sensitivity increases 10,000 times or more, but the system requires complex equipment including cryogenics and high magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cryogenic system (liquid helium, high magnetic fields, complex DNP equipment) with an optical system. Optical pumping using lasers or LEDs excites electrons in the source compound to create nuclear spin polarization at room temperature, substituting complex mechanical cryogenic infrastructure with simpler optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by achieving nuclear spin polarization at room temperature instead of requiring cryogenic temperatures. By using optical pumping to create non-thermal equilibrium polarization, the system operates under milder conditions (room temperature, ambient pressure) rather than extreme conditions, dramatically simplifying the equipment requirements.
3Measurement precision
If enhanced nuclear spin polarization is achieved, then NMR/MRI signal sensitivity increases dramatically, but the polarization decays over time due to relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by continuously replenishing the polarized source compound. As the polarized source compound is consumed or its polarization decays during the NMR/MRI process, fresh polarized source compound is automatically introduced into the system, maintaining the enhanced polarization levels and corresponding signal sensitivity throughout the measurement period.
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 enhances NMR/MRI signal sensitivity by up to a factor of 1730, allowing new applications like high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and MRI with improved sensitivity and relaxation times, and can be automated without cryogenics or high magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
The intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect can be used to transfer polarization from a polarized source compound to a target compound
Implementation Method 2
A polarized source compound can be obtained by imparting non-thermal equilibrium nuclear spin polarization to source atoms of the source compound
Data Source
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.