Substrate Molecule Hyperpolarization Using Ultra-Low-Field SABRE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate are expensive, slow, and inefficient, limiting the biomedical translation of ultrafast HP [1-13C]pyruvate MRI due to the high costs and operational requirements of cryogenic temperatures and high-power microwave irradiation in dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP) techniques.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a combination of alternating and static ultra-low magnetic fields, ranging from 0.001 to 39,999 microtesla, to hyperpolarize substrate molecules such as [1-13C]pyruvate and dimethyl sulfoxide (DSMO) through Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), which efficiently transfers polarization from parahydrogen to the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP) techniques are used to produce hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate, then high polarization levels are achieved, but the production cost increases and production time extends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization levelVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameter from conventional high-field d-DNP conditions to ultra-low microtesla fields (0.001-39,999 microtesla), enabling SABRE hyperpolarization to achieve comparable polarization levels without requiring cryogenic temperatures or high-power microwave irradiation, thus reducing production time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical and thermal infrastructure of d-DNP (cryogenic systems, high-power microwave generators) with a simpler magnetic field-based SABRE system using ultra-low microtesla fields, eliminating the need for expensive cryogens and high-power equipment while maintaining high polarization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP) techniques are used to producehyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate, then high polarization levels are achieved, but the equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization levelVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive ultra-low microtesla magnetic field generation equipment instead of million-dollar d-DNP systems, using affordable field coils and power supplies that can be easily adjusted and replaced, making hyperpolarization accessible without requiring expensive cryogenic infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating magnetic field parameter to ultra-low microtesla ranges, which can be generated by simple field coils rather than requiring the complex high-field magnets and cryogenic systems of d-DNP, dramatically reducing equipment cost while maintaining polarization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP) techniques are used to producehyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate, then high polarization levels are achieved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization levelVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex operational requirements of d-DNP (cryogenic temperature maintenance, high-power microwave irradiation control, precise timing sequences) by using ultra-low microtesla SABRE, which operates at room temperature with simple magnetic field application, dramatically simplifying operational procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 method achieves hyperpolarization of [1-13C]pyruvate with a polarization level of nearly 15%, comparable to conventional methods, while being more cost-effective and efficient, enabling faster production suitable for biomedical applications.

Implementation Method 1

Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization using the application of a combination of alternating and static ultra-low magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE):

Implementation Method 2

applying a static ultra-low magnetic field to the solution and applying an alternating ultra-low magnetic field to the solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250283958A1Method and apparatus for hyperpolarizing substrate molecules

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV

AI summary

A hyperpolarization system including a solution and at least one magnetic field controller. The solution includes at least parahydrogen, a polarization transfer complex (PTC), and substrate molecules. The at least one magnetic field controller is configured to apply a static ultra-low magnetic field to the solution and apply an alternating ultra-low magnetic field to the solution. Through application of the ultra-low magnetic fields to the solution, the system hyperpolarizes at least some of the substrate molecules.