# TR&D1: Development of Improved DNP Methodology and HP MR Acquisition Techniques

> **NIH NIH P41** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $385,130

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT 
TR&D1 is responsible for the polarizer instrumentation and the MRI acquisition hardware/software required for 
all hyperpolarized 13C MRI studies performed in this P41 Center housing five dissolution DNP polarizers. All 
technology developments are driven by the 10 Collaborative Projects with iterative push-pull optimization and 
user training. These technology resources are then utilized by the 8 Service Projects (6 extramural) and the 
general scientific community with feedback on performance, quality of training, and ease of dissemination. In 
the inaugural funding cycle, TR&D1 oversaw new polarizer installation/development to enable and improve the 
hyperpolarizations required for all CP's and TR&D's, developed new MR sequences for preclinical studies 
driven by CP's and TR&D2 needs, and facilitated the first human clinical trial with recent preliminary translation 
work driven by the new CP's that include future clinical research (CP3,6,9,10). We have also worked closely 
with TR&D3 personnel to create and test new analysis methods to reconstruct, analyze and visualize the new 
HP 13C MRI techniques through this project. Also a major focus in the current and proposed renewal project is 
the training of new users (both intra- & extramural and facilitating the dissemination and widespread use of 
TR&D1 technology. 
Aim 1: Polarizer Instrumentation Development and Testing. In this aim new DNP/dissolution hardware and 
methods will be developed for Oxford Instruments HyperSense DNP polarizers, HyperSense Testbed polarizer, 
the POC polarizer used in the first Phase 1 Clinical Trial, and the GE SpinLab multi-sample polarizer. 
Aim 2: Preclinical HP 13C MRI Technology Development. In vivo hyperpolarized 13C MRI requires specialized 
hardware and MR sequences for optimal animal studies. Based on extensive preliminary work, Drs. Vigneron's 
and Larson's groups will develop specialized HP MR sequences optimized for performance, reliability, and 
ease of use in collaboration with preclinical CP1-8 investigators and Dr. Nelson TR&D3 analysis technique 
development group. 
Aim 3: New Acquisition Technology for Clinical Translation of HP 13C MRI. Driven by CP projects proposing 
human studies and with the input of the Translation Advisory Committee, new hardware/software will be 
developed to enable future novel HP 13C MRI clinical research studies with push-pull iterative optimization. 
This aim will also include training, dissemination, and input/feedback from SP3 and other sites proposing future 
patient HP 13C MRI.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9932991
- **Project number:** 5P41EB013598-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Daniel B Vigneron
- **Activity code:** P41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $385,130
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9932991

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9932991, TR&D1: Development of Improved DNP Methodology and HP MR Acquisition Techniques (5P41EB013598-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9932991. Licensed CC0.

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