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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
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Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
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Liquid-state carbon-13 hyperpolarization generated in an MRI system for fast imaging
A B Schmidt1, S Berner1,2,3, W Schimpf1
1Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 60a, Freiburg 79106, Germany.
Nature Communications
|March 7, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create hyperpolarized (HP) tracers for MRI without external polarizers. This technique, Synthesis Amid the Magnet Bore, A Dramatically Enhanced Nuclear Alignment (SAMBADENA), simplifies HP tracer production and may enable new diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Metabolic Monitoring
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hyperpolarized (HP) tracers significantly enhance MRI sensitivity for non-invasive metabolic monitoring in vivo.
- Current HP tracer production relies on complex, costly external polarizing devices.
- HP tracer instability and transfer losses limit their clinical utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for producing HP tracers without external polarizers.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high hyperpolarization levels using the new technique.
- To reduce the cost and complexity associated with HP tracer production for broader accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Synthesis Amid the Magnet Bore, A Dramatically Enhanced Nuclear Alignment (SAMBADENA) technique.
- Production of HP tracers in water within seconds using SAMBADENA.
- Characterization of hyperpolarization levels achieved by the SAMBADENA method.
Main Results:
- Successful production of HP tracers in water without external polarizing equipment.
- Achieved hyperpolarization levels of approximately 20% within seconds.
- Eliminated the need for tracer transfer, preserving polarization enhancement.
Conclusions:
- SAMBADENA offers a cost-effective and simplified approach to HP tracer production.
- This method has the potential to improve diagnostic capabilities using MRI.
- The technique is particularly promising for expanding the use of para-hydrogen tracers in biomedical applications.
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