Unconventional agents for dDNP HP MRI
The objective of this work package is to develop unconventional dDNP agents for MR imaging of perfusion and tissue- retention. Encapsulation of the agents has the potential to prolong T1 by isolation from blood components and by the ability to control the media in proximity to the agent and to selectively target tissue-retention.
Task 1.1: Polarisation increase for water
To increase the polarisation level for HP water to more than 5% using polarisers operating at a higher magnetic field.
Task 1.2: HP water encapsulation
To encapsulate HP water using a mini-emulsion process, with or without D2O, and determine the T1 in this formulation.
Task 1.3: To increase the polarisation level of 15N containing compounds to more than 5%
A 5% 15N polarisation was achieved in a solution of [15N2]urea at one of the partners’ site (HMO), at 3.35T. Increased polarisation will be achieved by polarising the compound at the higher field of 5T.
Task 1.4: Encapsulation of HP 15N containing compounds
To encapsulate 15N containing compounds using the mini-emulsion technology. For 15N containing compounds with exchangeable protons this will be done in the presence of D2O to prolong their T1.
Task 1.5: Nitrate safety profile and encapsulation
To test the safety profile of nitrate for intravenous administration. Although it is considered safe for injection, there are, to the best of our knowledge, no studies in the literature on this topic.