Spying on parahydrogen-induced polarization transfer using a half-tesla benchtop MRI and hyperpolarized imaging enabled by automation.

Nuclear spin hyperpolarization is a quantum effect that enhances the nuclear magnetic resonance signal by several orders of magnitude and has enabled real-time metabolic imaging in humans. However, the translation of hyperpolarization technology into routine use in laboratories and medical centers is hampered by the lack of portable, cost-effective polarizers that are not commercially available. Here, we present a portable, automated polarizer based on parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization (PHIP) at an intermediate magnetic field of 0.5 T (achieved by permanent magnets). With a footprint of 1 m2, we demonstrate semi-continuous, fully automated 1H hyperpolarization of ethyl acetate-d6 and ethyl pyruvate-d6 to P = 14.4% and 16.2%, respectively, and a 13C polarization of 1-13C-ethyl pyruvate-d6 of P = 7%. The duty cycle for preparing a dose is no more than 1 min. To reveal the full potential of 1H hyperpolarization in an inhomogeneous magnetic field, we convert the anti-phase PHIP signals into in-phase peaks, thereby increasing the SNR by a factor of 5. Using a spin-echo approach allowed us to observe the evolution of spin order distribution in real time while conserving the expensive reagents for reaction monitoring, imaging and potential in vivo usage. This compact polarizer will allow us to pursue the translation of hyperpolarized MRI towards in vivo applications further.