Membrane Reactor for Continuous Parahydrogen Hyperpolarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperpolarization methods are expensive, operate in batch mode only, require low temperatures, and suffer from low gas-liquid mass transfer rates, limiting their use in clinical settings and high-field MRI applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact membrane reactor with a semipermeable inner tube and outer tube, equipped with a magnetic field control mechanism, allows for continuous or batch operation, high gas-liquid interfacial area, and efficient parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization, suitable for existing NMR and MRI instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional batch hyperpolarization methods are used, then hyperpolarization can be achieved, but the equipment cost is prohibitively high ($2.5 million or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical batch processing systems with a continuous flow membrane reactor system. The semipermeable membrane enables parahydrogen to diffuse directly into the liquid sample, eliminating the need for expensive batch-mode hyperpolarization equipment while maintaining hyperpolarization capability through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from batch mode to continuous flow mode, and from requiring large-scale expensive equipment to using a compact membrane reactor. This parameter change dramatically reduces equipment cost while maintaining or improving hyperpolarization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional batch hyperpolarization equipment is used, then hyperpolarization can be achieved, but continuous operation is not capable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by flowing the liquid sample continuously through the membrane reactor while parahydrogen continuously diffuses across the membrane. This allows uninterrupted hyperpolarization production, enabling real-time imaging applications rather than intermittent batch production.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional gas delivery methods (bubbling and shaking) are used, then parahydrogen can be delivered, but gas-liquid mass transfer rates are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a semipermeable membrane with controlled porosity to enable rapid parahydrogen delivery. The membrane's selective permeability allows parahydrogen to diffuse efficiently into the liquid sample at high mass transfer rates, overcoming the limitations of conventional bubbling and shaking methods.
4Reliability
If existing hyperpolarization equipment is used, then hyperpolarization can be achieved, but operation at room temperature is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from requiring low temperatures (28K) to operating at room temperature. The continuous flow membrane reactor design with efficient mass transfer through the semipermeable membrane enables sufficient hyperpolarization buildup at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for complex cryogenic systems.
5Loss of time
If conventional batch mode operation is used, then batches are available infrequently (every 30 minutes), but real-time imaging is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow operation where hyperpolarized substrates are produced continuously rather than in discrete batches. This eliminates the 30-minute batch intervals and enables real-time imaging by providing a continuous supply of hyperpolarized material.
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 high polarization levels, stable RASER signals, and real-time chemical metabolic tracking, operating at room temperature with enhanced gas-liquid mass transfer rates, suitable for clinical applications and high-field MRI.
Implementation Method 1
Mass transfer of gas into the liquid phase is primarily determined by the gas-liquid interfacial area and contact time
Implementation Method 2
an inner tube constructed of a semipermeable membrane
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic resonance imaging relies on the alignment of nuclear spins with a magnetic field to create detectable signals
Implementation Method 4
Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), which uses an organometallic catalyst to transfer spin order from p-H2 to target substrates
Implementation Method 5
the parahydrogen pumped RASER, or radiowave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a compact membrane reactor for parahydrogen induced hyperpolarization, the reactor including an inner tube constructed of a semipermeable membrane, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, and a means for controlling the magnetic field surrounding the outer tube. In some aspects, multiple compact membrane reactors can be arranged in parallel. In other aspects, the compact membrane reactor is equipped with a mechanism for magnetic field control. Also disclosed are fluid handling systems and sample preparation systems comprising the compact membrane reactors disclosed herein. The compact membrane reactor can be operated in a batch mode, a stopped-flow mode, or a continuous flow mode and can be configured to work with existing NMR spectrometers and MRI instruments.