Research Terms
This system uses an ultrasonic spray injection hydrogenation reactor to rapidly prepare hyperpolarized metabolites for sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. Using hyperpolarized metabolites in diagnostic imaging can enable the study of metabolic processes by enhancing magnetic resonance imaging signals by over five orders of magnitude. The global diagnostic imaging market should reach $35 billion by 2026. Previous methods to produce hyperpolarized metabolites with less efficient mixing processes resulted in comparatively lower hyperpolarization levels and polarization yields.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a system that rapidly generates hyperpolarized metabolites in bulk using an ultrasonic spray injection nozzle. Ultrasonic spray injection into parahydrogen gas generates higher rates of hyperpolarization and higher polarization yields than conventional production methods. The ultrasonic spray injection process is essentially isobaric, eliminating the expansion cooling accompanied by large pressure drops that occurs using standard spray injection.
This system achieves efficient and continuous generation of hyperpolarized metabolites for use in sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging
This system rapidly generates hyperpolarized metabolites for use in biomedical magnetic resonance imaging. Precursors are injected into a reaction chamber pressurized with para-enriched hydrogen gas through the ultrasonically vibrated nozzle. The nozzle optimizes the formation of small uniform microdroplets, promoting the rate of hydrogenation reactions with para-hydrogenation in the formation of hyperpolarized metabolites.
Related publication: Ferrer, M.-J., Kuker, E., Semenova, E., Gangano, A., Lapak, M., Grenning, A., Dong, V., & Bowers, C. (n.d.). Adiabatic Passage through Level Anticrossings in Systems of Chemically Inequivalent Protons Incorporating Parahydrogen: Theory, Experiment, and Prospective Applications. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 144(45), 20847–20853. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c09000
The use of hyperpolarized water as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could dramatically shorten scanning times for patients, provide new imaging modalities, and avoid the risks associated with conventional contrast agents (e.g. gadolinium). However, the only existing method for making hyperpolarized water, i.e. dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), requires complex instrumentation incorporating cryogenics, high frequency microwaves, and a powerful superconducting magnet system. In a new process developed at the University of Florida, hyperpolarized liquid water is produced from parahydrogen* by heterogeneous spin conversion catalysis (SCC) at low magnetic field. The key advantages of this parahydrogen-based SCC method include its far greater simplicity, reliability, and scalability. Most importantly, the SCC process can be performed at low magnetic field and does not require a superconducting magnet. In principle, hyperpolarized water can be continuously produced by flowing it over the specially formulated insoluble SCC nanoparticles, rending pure hyperpolarized water that is suitable for in vivo biomedical use. Production of hyperpolarized water by the SCC process has far-reaching implications. Since it is relatively inexpensive and does not require a superconducting magnet, it can be deployed for low-field medical MRI in remote or impoverished regions. *Parahydrogen is a metastable quantum state of molecular hydrogen that can be quickly and inexpensively prepared, stored and transported
A catalytic process that hyperpolarizes a fluid, such as water, ethanol, or methanol, to enhance the molecular nuclear magnetic resonance signals for use in sensitivity-enhanced NMR spectroscopy and MRI at low magnetic fields
This heterogeneous spin conversion catalytic process yields hyperpolarized water from parahydrogen without the use of high magnetic fields or microwave irradiation. The hyperpolarized water is produced by dissolution of parahydrogen gas in a suspension of the specially formulated catalyst, composed of synthesized metallic nanoparticles, which is insoluble in liquid water. The water molecules in hyperpolarized water exhibit strong nuclear magnetic resonance signals, enabling it to function as an intrinsic MRI contrast agent. In addition to water, this same catalytic process can also hyperpolarize other fluids, including ethanol and methanol, for other applications.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a foundational tool in clinical diagnostics with the ability to produce detailed, non-invasive images of internal anatomy and function. Over 100 million scans are performed annually, and the market is projected to reach $10.3 billion by 2030 . However, current MRI techniques face significant limitations in chemically selective metabolic imaging. Sensitivity is often too low to detect key metabolites at physiological concentrations, and strong background signals from water and fat obscure molecular details. Competing modalities such as CT and PET can provide metabolic information, but they rely on ionizing radiation, offer limited chemical specificity, and lack anatomical detail.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a continuous-flow system for generating hyperpolarized metabolites using parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP). It leverages parahydrogen as a source of nuclear spin order, amplifying MRI signal strength and enabling real-time, chemically selective imaging of metabolic processes. Unlike traditional batch-based hyperpolarization methods, the continuous-flow approach sustains production and delivery of hyperpolarized agents, supporting extended imaging sessions and improved diagnostic accuracy. By overcoming key barriers in sensitivity, workflow efficiency, and patient safety, this technology offers transformative potential for clinical and research applications.
A device for continuous-flow parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization of metabolites in aqueous solution for advanced metabolic MRI
This technology integrates a continuous-flow hydrogenation reactor with parahydrogen-induced polarization, allowing for the rapid and sustained generation of hyperpolarized metabolites in aqueous solution. By combining a spin order transfer device and advanced membrane-based separation, the system efficiently produces purified imaging agents, overcoming the limitations of batch-based methods and enabling real-time, high-sensitivity metabolic imaging with MRI. The modular design supports seamless integration into clinical workflows and ensures rapid extraction and purification, delivering hyperpolarized agents in seconds and facilitating extended imaging sessions for improved diagnostic precision.
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