Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) retain enhanced polarization for several hours following hyperpolarization due to their long nuclear T1 relaxation time and are therefore attractive candidates for use as MRI contrast agents. However, “bare” SiNPs show low signal enhancement and require the addition of exogenous radicals to reach sufficient signal enhancements for MRI. Here, the addition of two radicals (Finland trityl and TEMPO) and the effect of their concentration on SiNP build-up and decay properties were investigated. Optimising SiNP polarization characteristics is necessary if their clinical translation as targeted hyperpolarized contrast agents is to be achieved.
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