What are the Technical Challenges and Limitations?
While promising, hyperpolarized carbon-13 imaging faces several technical challenges:
1. Short Polarization Lifespan: The enhanced signal of hyperpolarized compounds decays quickly, often within minutes, necessitating rapid imaging techniques. 2. Cost and Complexity: The equipment required for DNP and the subsequent imaging is expensive and technically demanding. 3. Clinical Translation: Although research in preclinical models is extensive, translating these findings into routine clinical practice remains a challenge.
