Quantum nanotubes for hyperpolarization and sub-cellular magnetic resonance

Objective

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offer profound insights into chemistry and life sciences but are limited by their low sensitivity due to weak nuclear spin polarization under ambient conditions. NMR-NANOTUBES addresses these challenges with Boron Nitride Nanotubes containing optically active spin defects (C@BNNTs), an absolute novelty in the landscape of quantum technologies. Building on my expertise in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, quantum sensing, and spin defects in boron nitride materials, I aim to leverage these systems to develop: 1) Hyperpolarization Technology: C@BNNTs, with their highly porous nanostructure and densely packed optically polarized electronic spins, provide exceptional potential for efficient electron-to-nuclear polarization transfer. This enables amplification of nuclear spin polarization far beyond thermal limits under ambient conditions. By addressing the limitations of previous solid-state quantum technologies, I will establish a platform to demonstrate: a) Hyperpolarization and high-resolution NMR detection at the nanoscale; b) Bulk hyperpolarization of nuclear spins in solvents and metabolites, enhancing accessibility of metabolic MR for biomedical applications. 2) Sub-Cellular NMR: C@BNNTs are spin-active, photoluminescent nanoprobes whose fluorescence encodes magnetic signals from nuclear spins, enabling optical NMR detection. By introducing these systems into living cells, I will demonstrate sub-cellular NMR microscopy, enabling spatially resolved detection of 1H signals from intracellular water and 19F signals from labeled probes and metabolites. This innovative approach will provide a powerful tool for exploring intracellular processes with nanoscale resolution in physiological environment. NMR-NANOTUBES combines quantum-enhanced NMR with nanotechnology, creating a transformative tool for chemistry, biology, and medicine, and paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the life sciences.