Hyperpolarization methods, systems and compositions

Abstract

The invention provides various methods and systems for providing hyperpolarized materials as well as the hyperpolarized materials so provided. In addition, a method of providing hyperpolarized materials, such as agents, to end users from a remote location is also provided.

1 . A method of producing a hyperpolarized material comprising:
 a) providing a solvent;   b) hyperpolarizing the solvent; and   c) transferring hyperpolarization from the solvent to a target material.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent is mixed with a target material to create a mixture selected from the group consisting of (i) a solution, (ii) a suspension, (iii) an emulsion, (iv) a colloid and (v) a composite material. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising hyperpolarizing the target material. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the target material is hyperpolarized by mixing the target material with the solvent. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the target material is dissolved in the solvent. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the target material is hyperpolarized by way of electromagnetic coupling. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the electromagnetic coupling is provided by electromagnetic pulse sequences. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent includes a liquid suitable for in vitro NMR analysis. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the solvent includes a material selected from the group consisting of water, deuterated water, acetone- d 6 , ethanol- d 6 , acetonitrile- d 3 , formic acid- d 2 , benzene- d 6 , methanol- d 4 , chloroform- d 1 , nitromethane- d 3 , deuterium oxide, pyridine- d 5 , dichloromethane- d 2 , 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane- d 2 , dimethylformamide- d 7 , tetrahydrofurane- d 8 , dimethylsulfoxide- d 6 , toluene- d 8 , 1,4-dioxane- d 8 , trifluoroacetic acid- d 1  and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent includes a physiologically tolerable liquid suitable for use in in vivo MRI studies. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the solvent includes a material selected from the group consisting of water, deuterated water and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising performing an analysis of (i) a region proximate the target material (ii) or the target material. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the analysis includes forming magnetic resonance images of a patient. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the analysis includes analyzing NMR spectra of an in vitro or in vivo sample. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising solidifying the solvent into a powder form. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the solvent is solidified prior to hyperpolarizing the solvent. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the solidified solvent is hyperpolarized using a technique selected from the group consisting of (i) dynamic nuclear polarization, (ii) the Nuclear Overhauser effect, (ii) parahydrogen induced polarization, (iii) hyperpolarization using a quantum relaxation switch, (iv) transferring hyperpolarization to molecules of the solvent by exposing them to hyperpolarized nuclei of a previously hyperpolarized gas, and combinations thereof.