Hyperpolarized Nanodiamond Surfaces

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that nanodiamond surfaces can hyperpolarize nearby liquid molecules at room temperature, enhancing magnetic resonance signals and enabling potential biomedical sensing and drug delivery applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of hyperpolarizing liquids using nanodiamond surface electron spins, expanding nanodiamond's utility in magnetic resonance.

Findings

Surface spins can hyperpolarize adsorbed liquids at room temperature.

Surface and bulk spins can be distinguished via relaxation measurements.

Potential for signaling controlled drug release.

Abstract

The widespread use of nanodiamond as a biomedical platform for drug-delivery, imaging, and sub-cellular tracking applications stems from their non-toxicity and unique quantum mechanical properties. Here, we extend this functionality to the domain of magnetic resonance, by demonstrating that the intrinsic electron spins on the nanodiamond surface can be used to hyperpolarize adsorbed liquid compounds at room temperature. By combining relaxation measurements with hyperpolarization, spins on the surface of the nanodiamond can be distinguished from those in the bulk liquid. These results are likely of use in signaling the controlled release of pharmaceutical payloads.