Development and characterization of self-assembled container molecules for triplet dynamic nuclear polarization

Bernd Abel (Leipzig University) / Berthold Kersting (Leipzig University)

Goal

Design of more efficient polarizing agents through combining materials science, triplet photochemistry, molecular recognition with nuclear magnetic sensing.

Challenge

For a rational design of novel polarizing agents, it is prerequisite to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, and to explore novel applications. One important questions is: can we hyperpolarize water in the liquid state?

Impact

Hyperpolarization of H2O would enable many fascinating applications in structural biology and life science with respect to NMR sensing and imaging (MRI).