We demonstrate a disposable and handheld hyperpolarizer for clinical-scale production of hyperpolarized propane gas for application as an inhalable contrast agent for pulmonary MRI. The device consists of an aluminum commercial spray can, which contains a mixture of pressurized propylene and parahydrogen gases. This filled container can be easily transported and stored for weeks. The hyperpolarized propane production is initialized by valve actuation, which releases the propylene-parahydrogen mixture into a mini-catalytic reactor producing a stream of pure (without catalyst) hyperpolarized propane gas on demand. The feasibility of 3 T EPI, FIESTA, and GRE MRI in hyperpolarized phantoms is demonstrated.
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