Routine Hyperpolarized 129Xe Measurements Utilizing a Benchtop NMR Spectrometer: Maintaining High Polarization, Automation and Measurements

Motivation: Routine measurements of hyperpolarized media utilizing low-cost benchtop-NMR spectrometers should allow for sensitive bio-chemical analysis. So far, just an elaborate handling of hyperpolarized 129Xe was demonstrated. Goal(s): To deliver highly polarized 129Xe to the sample at the time of demand within the NMR spectrometer. Approach: We present the combination of a continuous-flow 129Xe polarizer with a commercial benchtop-NMR spectrometer. The gas flow into the NMR sample is time-controlled by the spectrometer pulse program and xenon gas densities are user adjustable. Results: In routine experimentation polarization transfer-losses were minimized, thus allowing for e.g., characterization and concentration determination of future contrast agents. Impact: Our work demonstrates day-to-day measurements utilizing well-established flow-through 129Xe polarizers in combination with low-cost benchtop NMR spectrometers yielding high sensitivity. Thus, utilizing the high affinity of xenon to proteins or cage molecules allows for various biological studies alike concentration determination.