Continuous Hyperpolarization of Water Via Overhauser DNP for MRI Applications

Sandro Ebert¹, Andrea Amar¹, Christian Bauer¹, Michael Klzer¹, Peter Blmler², Dariush Hinderberger¹, Hans W. Spiess¹, Kerstin Mnnemann¹

Despite its wide applicability in natural science, NMR and MRI still suffers from its inherently low sensitivity. This could be overcome by hyperpolarization via dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) which result in enhanced NMR signals. In DNP, the use of toxic radicals and microwave irradiation becomes crucial with regard to medical applications. We implemented a flow system into a mobile DNP polarizer, which overcomes both obstacles. Acquired images demonstrate, because of enhanced and due to dipolar coupling inverted signals, that hyperpolarized water can be an excellent and authentic MRI contrast agent.