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Real-Time Metabolic Detection in Living Cells Using Hyperpolarized 13C NMR
Published on: July 8, 2025
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Hyperpolarized NMR probes for biological assays
Sebastian Meier1, Pernille R Jensen2, Magnus Karlsson3
1Carlsberg Laboratory, Gamle Carlsberg Vej 10, 1799 Copenhagen V, Denmark. sebastian.meier@carlsberglab.dk.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2014
Summary
Nuclear spin polarization enhanced (hyperpolarized) molecular probes offer real-time insights into living cells. These probes enable sensitive, high-resolution NMR detection of diverse biological processes, improving cellular assays and drug efficacy studies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nuclear spin polarization enhanced (hyperpolarized) molecular probes are crucial for real-time cellular studies.
- These probes are produced ex situ and detected using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey strategies for selecting, designing, and utilizing hyperpolarized NMR probes in biological assays.
- To discuss current limitations and future developments in the field.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of various natural, derivatized, and designed hyperpolarized probes.
- Utilizing high-resolution NMR spectroscopy for sensitive detection in biological systems.
- Assessing probe utility in natural biofluids and cellular assays.
Main Results:
- Hyperpolarized probes enable unbiased detection of complex biological processes due to NMR's spectral resolution and quantifiability.
- A wide range of applications exists, including monitoring intracellular reactions, kinetics, pH, redox state, and oncogenic signaling.
- Probes demonstrate specificity and utility under biologically relevant conditions.
Conclusions:
- Hyperpolarized molecular probes significantly advance biological NMR spectroscopy for in vivo and in vitro studies.
- Continued development promises broader applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
- These probes offer a powerful, non-invasive tool for understanding cellular function.
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