¹⁵N Hyperpolarization of Imidazole-¹⁵N₂ for Magnetic Resonance pH Sensing via SABRE-SHEATH.

¹⁵N nuclear spins of imidazole-¹⁵N₂ were hyperpolarized using NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange in shield enables alignment transfer to heteronuclei (SABRE-SHEATH). A ¹⁵N NMR signal enhancement of ∼2000-fold at 9.4 T is reported using parahydrogen gas (∼50% para-) and ∼0.1 M imidazole-¹⁵N₂ in methanol:aqueous buffer (∼1:1). Proton binding to a ¹⁵N site of imidazole occurs at physiological pH (pK_a ∼ 7.0), and the binding event changes the ¹⁵N isotropic chemical shift by ∼30 ppm. These properties are ideal for in vivo pH sensing. Additionally, imidazoles have low toxicity and are readily incorporated into a wide range of biomolecules. ¹⁵N-Imidazole SABRE-SHEATH hyperpolarization potentially enables pH sensing on scales ranging from peptide and protein molecules to living organisms.

Duke Scholars

Author Warren S. Warren Chemistry