Objective The goal of the project is the development of new contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the concepts of hyperpolarization and singlet state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Hyperpolarization boosts the detectable NMR signal of the contrast agents by up to 4 orders magnitude and the generation of singlet states conserves the enhanced polarization for a long time, while not giving a directly detectable signal. The NMR signal can subsequently be obtained by chemically breaking the molecular symmetry or by applying radiofrequency pulses. This technique therefore allows for the detection of a NMR signal after minutes instead of seconds compared to state-of-the-art metabolic tracers. A combination of these techniques leads to a nanomolar detection limit of the tracers, which is a remarkable sensitivity for MRI. The chemical transformation which triggers the generation of a hyperpolarized NMR signal may be due to enzymes which are diagnostic of cancer cells. The project leads towards new agents for the in vivo detection and imaging of cancer without the use of ionizing radiation or contrast agents containing dangerous heavy metals. Overall it is planned to develop molecules with nanomolar detection limits upon hyperpolarization, that maintain their traceability for minutes and undergo chemical transformation induced by enzymes, which can be tracked utilizing MRI. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesnuclear physicsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcoholsnatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryaminesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Keywords dynamic nuclear polarization singlet states hyperpolarization metabolites NMR Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address Highfield SO17 1BJ Southampton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80