Isotope-Enriched Polymer Contrast Agent for MRI Signal Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contrast agents for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) face challenges in achieving high selectivity and sensitivity due to background noise from natural isotopes, and existing solutions have limitations in signal intensity and stability.
Innovation Solution
A polymer with multiple 1H-13C-15N, 1H-15N-13C, or 1H-13C-13C sequences in its side chains, utilizing stable isotopes to enhance detectability and sensitivity in NMR and MRI applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contrast agents are used for NMR/MRI, then the imaging method is mildly invasive with high spatial resolution, but background noise from natural isotopes reduces selectivity and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the isotopic composition parameter by incorporating stable isotopes (13C, 15N, 1H) into the polymer structure. This parameter change transforms the contrast agent from using natural isotope abundance to using enriched stable isotopes, thereby reducing background noise and enhancing selectivity and sensitivity in NMR/MRI detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite contrast agent by combining polymer chains with multiple stable isotope sequences (1H-13C-15N, 1H-15N-13C, or 1H-13C-13C). This composite structure with multiple isotopic sequences working together provides synergistic enhancement of detectability while maintaining the mildly invasive nature of MRI
2Reliability
If existing contrast agents are used, then imaging can be performed, but signal intensity and stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer structure into repeating units, each containing specific stable isotope sequences. This segmentation allows systematic construction of the polymer with controlled isotopic composition, improving signal intensity through cumulative effect while managing synthesis complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molecular composition parameter by incorporating stable isotopes with different spin properties (13C with spin 1/2, 15N with spin 1/2) into the polymer backbone and side chains. This parameter change enhances signal stability and intensity while the modular polymer design keeps manufacturing feasible
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 polymer increases the abundance of detectable sequences, leading to higher selectivity and sensitivity in NMR and MRI, while avoiding the limitations of natural isotope abundance and improving signal intensity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as MRI), that is, an imaging method based on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
Data Source
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AI summary
As a substance used as a contrast agent for a method of nuclear magnetic resonance analysis or a method of magnetic resonance imaging, a substance with high selectivity and high sensitivity was demanded. According to the present invention, when a polymer having, in a side chain thereof, a sequence of a 1H-13C-15N, 1H-15N-13C or 1H-13C-13C bond, that is, a structure labeled with stable isotopes of 13C and 15N, is used, the abundance of such a sequence in one molecule can be increased, and hence, high selectivity and higher sensitivity can be attained when used as a contrast agent.