Molecular dynamics simulations of $^1$H NMR relaxation in Gd$^{3+}$--aqua

TL;DR

This study uses atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to accurately predict $^1$H NMR relaxation rates in Gd$^{3+}$ solutions, aligning well with experimental data across a broad frequency range without adjustable parameters.

Contribution

It demonstrates the effectiveness of parameter-free molecular dynamics simulations in predicting NMR relaxation in Gd$^{3+}$ solutions, providing insights into relaxation mechanisms.

Findings

Simulations agree within 8% of experimental measurements from 5 to 500 MHz.

The approach estimates zero-field electron-spin relaxation time.

Potential to predict relaxation rates in clinical MRI contrast agents.

Abstract

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate $^1$H NMR $T_1$ relaxation of water from paramagnetic Gd$^{3+}$ ions in solution at 25$^{\circ}$C. Simulations of the $T_1$ relaxivity dispersion function $r_1$ computed from the Gd$^{3+}$--$^1$H dipole--dipole autocorrelation function agree within $\simeq 8$\% of measurements in the range $f_0 \simeq $ 5 $\leftrightarrow$ 500 MHz, without any adjustable parameters in the interpretation of the simulations, and without any relaxation models. The simulation results are discussed in the context of the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan inner-sphere relaxation model, and the Hwang-Freed outer-sphere relaxation model. Below $f_0 \lesssim $ 5 MHz, the simulation overestimates $r_1$ compared to measurements, which is used to estimate the zero-field electron-spin relaxation time. The simulations show potential for predicting $r_1$ at high frequencies in chelated Gd$^{3+}$ contrast-agents used for clinical MRI.