# Automated microfluidic hyperpolarization reactor for neurometabolic imaging

> **NIH NIH R43** · VIZMA LIFE SCIENCES, INC. · 2022 · $90,913

## Abstract

Abstract
Brain function is regulated by molecular signaling and metabolism, however, our ability to track neurometabolic
transformations deep in the brain is very underdeveloped compared to the central role of neurometabolism in
neurodegenerative disease or brain function in general. In this Phase I SBIR, it is our goal to establish and refine
emergent hyperpolarization technology as an inexpensive, sturdy and reliable neurometabolic imaging tool that
can be disseminated and applied broadly.
 Current molecular imaging approaches, for example PET/SPECT, require an immense infrastructure and
are not broadly applicable. In this proposal we will produce, test and refine two hyperpolarization units that allow
for molecular imaging at low cost at any research facility. Specifically, the hyperpolarizers deliver safe, injectable
solutions of endogenous metabolites that carry hyperpolarized nuclear spins, which are detected using any MRI
system. The hyperpolarization enhances the MRI signals by 4 to 7 orders of magnitude and reports directly on
the molecular transformations in study subjects. Hence direct imaging of molecular pathways in the living subject
is enabled.
 The objective of this proposal is to make existing hyperpolarizer prototypes sturdy and easy to use.
Simultaneously, we aim for pilot installations at pre-clinical sites in order to test the prototype’s ability to integrate
with pre-clinical workflows. With successful completion this Phase I SBIR we will have a sturdy and easy-to-use
hyperpolarizer that makes hyperpolarized MRI accessible to the neuroscience research community and enables
non-invasive imaging of metabolic dysregulation during the earliest stages of disease. In turn the established
devices and workflow lead to new insights into molecular pathology and to preclinical testing of novel
interventions and drugs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10599683
- **Project number:** 3R43MH129007-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** VIZMA LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Carlos Dedesma
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $90,913
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-08-22 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10599683

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10599683, Automated microfluidic hyperpolarization reactor for neurometabolic imaging (3R43MH129007-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10599683. Licensed CC0.

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