Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry has awarded $529,780 to the University of Florida (award date: August 1, 2026; completion date: July 31, 2029) under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to develop instrumentation and methods for continuous-flow synthesis of hyperpolarized biomolecules. The project addresses a critical limitation in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—low detection sensitivity—by creating a modular platform that generates non-equilibrium nuclear spin magnetization through parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP). The deliverables include a three-module continuous-flow system integrating 13C-labeled precursor hydrogenation, spin-order transfer for hyperpolarized 13C signal generation, and rapid membrane-based extraction into aqueous media. The research will evaluate both homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous systems, including metal-organic framework-confined complexes and silica-encapsulated intermetallic nanoparticles, with optimization guided by density matrix simulations.

This instrumentation platform is designed to overcome constraints of existing batch-based hyperpolarization approaches, enabling sustained spectroscopy and imaging with significantly enhanced sensitivity. The anticipated products will support earlier disease detection and improved monitoring of metabolic disorders such as cancer, with potential to accelerate clinical and industrial translation of hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The project includes workforce development components through interdisciplinary training of high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in science and engineering, positioning the technology development within broader educational objectives aligned with NSF's mission to strengthen the Nation's scientific enterprise.