High-throughput hyperpolarized (13)C metabolic investigations using a multi-channel acquisition system

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Hyperpolarized (HP) agents like [1-(13)C]-pyruvate offer novel insights into disease and therapy response via MRI and spectroscopy.
• Current HP research is limited by the high cost and low throughput of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP).
• Preclinical validation requires efficient methods for studying HP agents in various models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of multi-channel acquisitions for accelerating HP MRI experiments.
• To improve the throughput and reduce the cost of HP agent studies.
• To enable concurrent measurements from multiple samples using a single DNP dissolution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a broadband multi-channel digital receiver extension and detector arrays.
• Performed concurrent measurements of dynamic spectroscopic data from ex vivo phantoms, in vitro cells, and in vivo tumor-bearing mice.
• Employed [1-(13)C]-pyruvate as the hyperpolarized agent.

Main Results:

• Achieved simultaneous multi-sample measurements, overcoming limitations of single-channel systems.
• Demonstrated improved throughput by up to a factor of four.
• Showcased cost reduction in consumables for HP studies.

Conclusions:

• Multi-channel acquisitions are feasible for HP MRI and spectroscopy.
• This approach significantly enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness in preclinical research.
• The findings support the potential for widespread adoption of efficient multi-sample HP studies.