PURPOSE

A novel dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) polarizer platform is presented. The polarizer meets a number of key requirements for in vitro, preclinical, and clinical applications.

METHOD

It uses no liquid cryogens, operates in continuous mode, accommodates a wide range of sample sizes up to and including those required for human studies, and is fully automated.

RESULTS

It offers a wide operational window both in terms of magnetic field, up to 10.1 T, and temperature, from room temperature down to 1.3 K. The polarizer delivers a C liquid state polarization for [1- C]pyruvate of 70%. The build-up time constant in the solid state is approximately 1200 s (20 minutes), allowing a sample throughput of at least one sample per hour including sample loading and dissolution.

CONCLUSION

We confirm the previously reported strong field dependence in the range 3.35 to 6.7 T, but see no further increase in polarization when increasing the magnetic field strength to 10.1 T for [1- C]pyruvate and trityl. Using a custom dry magnet, cold head and recondensing, closed-cycle cooling system, combined with a modular DNP probe, and automation and fluid handling systems, we have designed a unique dDNP system with unrivalled flexibility and performance.