Band-selective excitation short transient ¹H PGSE NMR

Molecular translational diffusion measurements not only provide insights into the physical and functional properties of molecules, but they can also yield an understanding of the morphology of the media through which the molecules diffuse. Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE) NMR has established itself as an indispensable methodology for the experimental quantification of molecular translational diffusion both in vitro and in vivo. An extensive family of PGSE pulse sequences have been developed over the years for an ever-expanding series of applications. In this review, a group of PGSE sequences, in which band-selective ¹H Radio Frequency (RF) pulses are applied throughout the entire time course of a pulse sequence, is evaluated. The features and advantages of this group of ¹H PGSE sequences, including (1) sensitivity enhancement, (2) circumvention of dynamic range problems, and (3) suppression of exchange effects, are discussed.