Atomic Sensors Tracking Real Time Hyperpolarised Molecules

Researchers from IBEC and ICFO introduces new atomic sensor technology improving MRI imaging for precise, real-time control.

Research by scientists at Spain’s Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) has introduced atomic sensors that improve MRI quality control by tracking hyperpolarised molecules in real time. These sensors, based on optically pumped atomic magnetometers (OPMs) expands MRI applications in clinical diagnostics and other scientific fields.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a staple in modern medicine, providing clear visuals of internal structures by using magnetic fields to detect the density of water and fat molecules. However, detecting smaller molecules, like metabolites, often presents a challenge due to their low concentrations. To address this, hyperpolarisation techniques magnify the magnetic signals from these molecules and make them more visible in MRI scans. Typically, these molecules are prepared outside the body to achieve near-maximal magnetization levels, requiring strict quality control to ensure optimal state for patients.

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With potential benefits for clinical settings, scientific research, and specialised imaging centres, the atomic sensors appeal to a broad audience in medical and research fields. This includes radiologists and MRI technicians, who can leverage the non-destructive, continuous monitoring for real-time quality control, as well as researchers focused on high-precision magnetic sensing in both medical and chemical applications. “Our technique is more like a video, where you see the whole story frame by frame,” explains Dr. Michael Tayler, ICFO, who highlights the sensors’ capacity to allow uninterrupted observation without resolution loss, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

By tracking the polarisation process from start to finish, the atomic sensors help researchers monitor the magnetic field dynamics of hyperpolarised molecules like [1-13C]-fumarate, which are commonly used in metabolic imaging. This real-time monitoring revealed complex ‘hidden spin dynamics,’ shedding light on previously undetected behaviours in hyperpolarised molecules. “Without the OPM, we would have achieved a suboptimal final polarisation without even realising,” adds Tayler, highlighting the sensor’s ability to detect subtle fluctuations in magnetic fields that were previously obscured.

The implications extend beyond medical imaging. The technique holds promise in various fields requiring precise magnetic measurements, from chemical processing to high-energy physics. “The method we’ve developed opens up new avenues for not only improving MRI but also for areas reliant on exact magnetic sensing,” notes Tayler. Current projects are underway to integrate this technology into clinical settings, where portable atomic sensors could enable faster, more reliable MRI quality control.

Collaborative efforts between IBEC’s hyperpolarisation experts and ICFO’s OPM specialists have made this possible. “This is a beautiful example of the new science that can be achieved when researchers from different disciplines work together,” reflects Dr. James Eills, lead researcher, IBEC. As the technology advances, researchers hope to make hyperpolarised MRI more accessible to hospitals worldwide, reducing costs and logistical demands while opening new possibilities for scientific exploration across disciplines.