An H2 micro-contactor for on-chip hyperpolarized magnetic resonance

The candidate will work within the framework of the NMCEL project, dedicated to building a multi-purpose NMR platform for the study of the nematode C. Elegans, a small model organism of paramount importance in modern biology. Due to the small volume of interest (10-1000 nl) and the relatively low sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy, signal enhancement techniques are a necessary step to improve the quality of the sampled NMR data. One promising enhancing protocol is PHIP, or Para-Hydrogen Induced Polarization, whereby spin order is transferred from a para-hydrogen molecule to a suitable target through a hydrogenation reaction. Depending on the specific protocol, the nuclear polarization of the target is enhanced 100- to 10000-folds.

The polarization step, i.e. the triggering of the hyperpolarization reaction by contact with para-H2 gas, is critical. With the intent of adapting PHIP protocols to be used in micro-coil NMR systems, we propose the development of a micro-fluidic contactor device that allows for efficient diffusion/mixing of para-H2 gas in a target solution. Although liquid-gas mixing is a fairly common problem in micro-fluidics we are aiming to design a device that, ideally, satisfies the following conditions:
• The device should operate at moderately high pressure (1-10 bar).
• To avoid NMR susceptibility artifacts, bubble-free mixing is required.
• Integrability with already developed systems is also an important factor. The ideal implementation of the device should contemplate the possibility of integration with existent micro coil designs or, alternatively, the ability to shuttle the hyperpolarized mixture to an NMR probe.
• The ideal target solution is water-based but the device should be able to operate in the presence of harsher solvents, such as ethanol or methanol.
•The final device should be protected against leakage of hydrogen gas to prevent any dangerous conditions, such as buildup of hydrogen pockets.

Achievement of at least two of the above conditions is a requirement for successful termination of the project, but we are looking for strongly motivated students who feel up to the challenge of achieving all of them.

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Abschlussart

Masterarbeit / Diplomarbeit

Branche

Elektrotechnik

Anforderungen

• Experience or interest in micro-fluidic design.
• Experience in fabrication of microsystems or fabrication in general.
• Cleanroom experience is highly preferred, but not required.
• No prior experience with NMR is required.
• Field of study: electrical / mechanical engineering, micro-systems technology, chemistry, physics.

Zusatzinformationen

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)