Measuring the Spin-Lattice Relaxation Magnetic Field Dependence of Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate

We want to estimate the loss of polarization of a hyperpolarized solution during transport from the hyperpolarizing equipment to the MRI scanner as it traverses through different magnetic fields. Our technique estimates the spin-lattice relaxation time of hyperpolarized solutions at low magnetic fields with high accuracy. This method is not limited to dynamic nuclear polarization and can be used to estimate the spin-lattice relaxation time of other methods of polarization, including parahydrogen-induced polarization.

When performing this technique, make sure that the hyperpolarized sample doesn't cross or stay at the zero-field region for any period of time, otherwise you may completely lose the polarization. Prepare one milliliter of stock carbon-13 enriched pyruvic acid solution, widely used for in vivo research, consisting of 15 millimoles per liter of triarylmethyl radical dissolved in 1-13C pyruvic acid. On the dynamic nuclear polarizer software interface, click on the Cooldown button to lower the temperature of the variable temperature insert to 1.4 kelvin.