Inversion Chamber Magnetic Field Reversal for Fast 13C Hyperpolarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperpolarization methods are either too complex or too slow, failing to combine speed and simplicity in transferring polarization from one type of nuclear spin to another for applications like MRI.
Innovation Solution
A hyperpolarization method and device using an inversion chamber with internal and external magnetization means to create a controlled magnetic field that inverts as the solution flows, transferring polarization efficiently between nuclear spins with different gyromagnetic ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trityl radical is used to directly polarize 13C, then hyperpolarized 13C can be prepared, but the sample preparation time exceeds 60 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach by using 1H nuclei instead of 13C nuclei for direct polarization, and employs cross-polarization transfer to achieve 13C hyperpolarization. This parameter change in the polarization mechanism reduces preparation time from over 60 minutes to under 20 minutes while maintaining hyperpolarization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 1H nuclei as an intermediary to achieve 13C hyperpolarization. The 1H nuclei are first hyperpolarized rapidly, then the polarization is transferred to 13C nuclei through cross-polarization. This intermediary approach enables fast hyperpolarization without requiring direct 13C polarization, resolving the time contradiction.
2Loss of time
If cross-polarization is used to polarize 1H nuclei and transfer to solid-state 13C, then preparation time is reduced to less than 20 minutes, but the instrumentation becomes highly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cross-polarization instrumentation requirements by using a simplified approach. Instead of requiring complex solid-state cross-polarization equipment, the invention uses liquid-state cross-polarization with standard NMR instrumentation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fast preparation times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the sample from solid-state to liquid-state, enabling the use of standard NMR instrumentation instead of complex specialized equipment. This parameter change in the physical state allows fast cross-polarization transfer without requiring highly complex instrumentation, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.
3Reliability
If a magnetic field inversion is used to transfer hyperpolarization, then polarization transfer can be achieved, but the device requires precise control of magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic magnetic field inversion approach where the magnetic field direction is reversed during the polarization transfer process. This dynamic field inversion enables efficient polarization transfer from 1H to 13C nuclei while using standard NMR equipment, avoiding the need for complex magnetic field control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic magnetic field inversion cycles to achieve polarization transfer. By alternately applying magnetic fields in opposite directions during specific time intervals, the system achieves reliable polarization transfer without requiring continuous complex field control, thus resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and control complexity.
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
Enables rapid hyperpolarization of nuclear spins, particularly 13C, for MRI applications in under 20 minutes without complex instrumentation, maintaining efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The nuclear spins of both types of nuclear spins are preferably coupled by scalar spin-spin coupling in one or more molecules of the solution
Implementation Method 2
creation, by at least one magnetization means (preferably located at least partially inside the magnetic screen), called at least one internal magnetization means, of an inversion magnetic field the main component of which is along a direction Z and inverts as it travels through the inside of the inversion portion
Implementation Method 3
the inversion chamber preferably comprising a magnetic screen surrounding the inversion portion so as to isolate the inversion portion from ambient magnetic fields around the magnetic screen
Implementation Method 4
may comprise or be an internal solenoid, the at least one internal magnetization means thus comprising, at least partially within the magnetic screen, a pair of internal solenoids: preferably supplied by currents with opposite directions of rotation and/or with opposing leakage fields
Data Source
AI summary
An inversion chamber, including at least one magnetization element located at least partially inside a magnetic screen, referred to as the at least one internal magnetization element, and at least partially surrounding an inversion portion, wherein the at least one internal magnetization element is arranged to create an inversion magnetic field, the main component of which is along a Z direction and inverts as it travels through the inside of the inversion portion so as to transfer, within the inversion portion, the hyperpolarization from a first type of nuclear spins to a second type of nuclear spins, with scalar coupling between the nuclear spins, during a solution flow with non-zero velocity in the inversion portion from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet. Also, a device including this chamber and a method implemented by such a device.