On September 13th, 2024, Strathmore University became a hub for scientific exploration by hosting an enlightening event focused on advancements in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. The NMR Hyperpolarization via Parahydrogen event took place in the Sir Thomas More Building, bringing together delegates from the University Of Nairobi and the National Research Fund, staff, and students from Strathmore University. The session delved into how Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) techniques could improve the accessibility and accuracy of NMR technology, making it a game-changer for researchers and practitioners.
Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, started the event with his insightful address emphasizing the importance of embracing technology for scientific advancement. Following him, Dr. Dillmann, A researcher at @iLabAfrica IoT elaborated on @iLabAfrica’s commitment to fundamental research, which paves the way for practical technological improvements.
Dr. Gaspard Huber, a researcher at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) was chosen as a guest speaker because of the various public contributions made towards the field of NMR technology and parahydrogen Research as well as his role as a research at CEA places him at the forefront of the development of hyperpolarization techniques that enhance the performance of NMR machines. His presentation detailed how parahydrogen can boost the sensitivity of NMR machines, thereby making it relevant for researchers in both academia and industry. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various institutions, including Université Paris-Saclay, NMR4-Tropic, and Nantes Université.
Highlights from his presentation
Understanding NMR: Dr. Huber introduced the fundamentals of NMR, explaining its vital role in studying molecular structures through electromagnetic interactions. Traditional NMR machines face limitations due to low sensitivity, which parahydrogen can effectively overcome.
The Role of Parahydrogen: As a molecular spin isomer of hydrogen, parahydrogen enhances the magnetic alignment of spins, thereby increasing the sensitivity of NMR measurements—a process known as hyperpolarization. Furthermore, it involves transferring polarization from more polarized systems to nuclear spins, significantly boosting sensitivity. Low polarization in NMR was likened to a political landscape in which two opposing parties have nearly equal support, resulting in a lack of clear majority or “sensitivity.” Hyperpolarization thus catalyzes clearer, more precise measurements in NMR.
Production Methods: Dr. Huber outlined two machines he designed for parahydrogen production: one capable of generating 50% pure parahydrogen and another that produces 100% pure parahydrogen. The purer the hydrogen, the more sensitive the NMR measurements become.
Diverse Applications: The implications of this technology are vast, with potential uses in drug testing, food quality analysis, and enhanced medical diagnostics through more sensitive MRI scans.
Safety Considerations: Dr. Huber stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols when handling flammable gasses like hydrogen, advising that the total volume of pure hydrogen should not exceed 4 percent in ventilated areas.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Solomon Derese, Professor at the University of Nairobi who acknowledged the significance of NMR technology in scientific research. He reiterated the need for accessible, high-quality NMR solutions, particularly in regions with limited resources. Prof. Derese noted the recent acquisition of a 60MHz benchtop NMR machine by the Kenya National NMR Center, highlighting how hyperpolarization techniques could dramatically enhance its sensitivity.
The event aimed to enlighten attendees about the transformative potential of parahydrogen-enhanced NMR through Dr. Huber’s detailed presentation covered the technology, its diverse applications, and its ability to overcome existing sensitivity challenges in NMR, highlighting the promising future of parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization this aim was met. The collaboration between Dr. Huber and Strathmore University is poised to drive further advancements in this crucial field. Their efforts deepen our understanding of molecular structures and pave the way for innovative developments in industries such as tea and coffee in Kenya.
By Ajuna Lindah
