Hyperpolarised (HP) 13C magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful functional medical imaging technique for probing perfusion and metabolism. It is enabled by techniques for the hyperpolarisation of 13C-containing molecules using dynamic nuclear polarisation and rapid dissolution to create an injectable solution. Dynamic nuclear polarisation involves the use of free radicals. Their presence prevents the storage and transport of HP 13C molecules, which therefore have to be prepared a few minutes prior to injection. The EU-funded METAMORPHOSIS project will extend prior work that demonstrated hyperpolarisation through photo-induced free radicals. Its aim is to develop and commercialise devices compatible with the creation and annihilation of photo-induced free radicals in a controlled and reproducible manner.
