3D spatial imaging of chirality using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K05229
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 28040:Nanobioscience-related
• Research Institution: National Institute for Materials Science
• Principal Investigator: Labuta Jan 国立研究開発法人物質・材料研究機構, 国際ナノアーキテクトニクス研究拠点, 主任研究員 (00720690)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Porphyrin / Chirality / NMR lineshape / Phase Separation / pH-responsiveness / Chemical kinetics / NMR microimaging

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A series of porphyrin- or oxoporphyrinogen-type compounds were synthesized. Namely, β-functionalized, non-planar N-heterocycle-fused, and star-shaped water-soluble porphyrins. These compounds were studied for their improved anion-binding properties and catalytic activity. Some of the compounds can form porous coordination polymers. These materials are also capable of singlet oxygen generation and therefore are interesting for therapeutic applications, especially photodynamic therapies.
We have developed a method for analytical calculation of NMR spectral exchange lineshapes. The method can be used to analyze molecular kinetics in a wide range of systems, such as host-guest complexes, tautomeric processes, or local molecular rotations. We have also proven that by using a suitable porphyrin-type molecular detector, a sub-millimetre resolution of chiral environment (i.e. enantiomeric excess) can be spatially monitored by NMR microimaging method.

Free Research Field

物理化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Most drugs currently in use are chiral compounds. In situ or in vivo chirality imaging would be helpful in drug development. We have shown that the NMR microimaging technique can achieve this using an appropriate molecular detector.