In situ detection of PHIP at 48 mT: demonstration using a centrally controlled polarizer

Presented here is a centrally controlled, automated parahydrogen-based polarizer with in situ detection capability. A 20% polarization, corresponding to a 5,000,000-fold signal enhancement at 48 mT, is demonstrated on 2-hydroxyethyl-1-(13)C-propionate-d(2,3,3) using a double-tuned antenna and pulsed polarization transfer. In situ detection is a refinement of first-generation devices enabling fast calibration of rf pulses and B(0), quality assurance of hyperpolarized contrast agents, and stand-alone operation without the necessity of high-field MR spectrometers. These features are essential for biomedical applications of parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization and for clinical translation. We demonstrate the flexibility of the device by recording (13)C signal decay due to longitudinal relaxation of a hyperpolarized contrast agent at 48 mT corresponding to 2 MHz proton frequency. This appears to be the longest recorded T(1) (101 ± 7 s) for a (13)C hyperpolarized contrast agent in water.