Homogeneous Catalyst Removal from SABRE Hyperpolarized Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing homogeneous catalysts from solutions used in hyperpolarization techniques, such as SABRE and PHIP, are inefficient and fail to produce catalyst-free solutions with high nuclear spin polarizations, complicating their clinical applications due to the presence of heavy-metal catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a catalyst removal agent with sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms that bonds with the homogeneous catalyst, allowing for its efficient removal from solution while maintaining the hyperpolarized state of the substrate, and a process for recovering the catalyst for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If homogeneous catalysts are used for SABRE/PHIP hyperpolarization, then polarization transfer efficiency is improved, but catalyst removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
A catalyst removal agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to the homogeneous catalyst through sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. This mediator facilitates the separation of catalyst from the hyperpolarized substrate without directly interacting with the substrate, thereby maintaining hyperpolarization efficiency while enabling efficient catalyst removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If catalyst removal methods are applied to purify hyperpolarized substrate, then catalyst contamination is reduced, but hyperpolarization loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst removal agent is designed to selectively bind to the catalyst before the hyperpolarized substrate can be affected by catalyst removal processes. By performing the binding action preliminarily and specifically targeting the catalyst, the method achieves high substrate purity while minimizing loss of the hyperpolarized state.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst removal agent acts as a mediator that separates the catalyst from the hyperpolarized substrate through selective bonding. This intermediary approach allows purification of the substrate without direct exposure to harsh removal conditions that would cause hyperpolarization loss.
3Reliability
If heavy-metal catalysts are used in SABRE/PHIP, then polarization transfer is enhanced, but biocompatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy-metal catalyst is extracted from the final hyperpolarized substrate solution through selective binding with the catalyst removal agent. This extraction process removes the harmful heavy-metal component while preserving the hyperpolarized substrate, thereby enhancing biocompatibility without sacrificing polarization transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy-metal catalyst, which is harmful for biocompatibility, is converted into a removable component through selective binding. The catalyst's strong interaction with the removal agent transforms its harmful presence into a beneficial separation mechanism, allowing complete removal while maintaining the useful hyperpolarized substrate.
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 approach effectively purifies the hyperpolarized substrate, achieving high nuclear spin polarizations and enabling the reuse of the catalyst, thus overcoming the limitations of existing methods by ensuring the catalyst's removal without compromising the hyperpolarized state.
Implementation Method 1
the catalyst removal agent comprises a sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atom, and wherein the sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen atom of the catalyst removal agent bonds with homogeneous catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method that embodies a simple and effective route to remove homogeneous catalysts from solutions wherein NMR/MRI signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) or parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) is performed. A method for recovering a homogeneous SABRE/PHIP catalyst for reuse is also described.