Abstract
In biological tissues, (19)F magnetic resonance (MR) enables the non-invasive, background-free detection of (19)F-containing biomarkers. However, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is usually low because biomarkers are typically present at low concentrations. Measurements at low magnetic fields further reduce the SNR. In a proof-of-principal study we applied LED-based photo-chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) to amplify the (19)F signal at 0.6 T. For the first time, (19)F MR imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) of a fully biocompatible model system containing the antiviral drug favipiravir has been successfully performed. This fluorinated drug has been used to treat Ebola and COVID-19. Since the partially cyclic reaction scheme for photo-CIDNP allows for multiple data acquisitions, averaging further improved the SNR. The mean signal gain factor for (19)F has been estimated to be in the order of 10(3). An in-plane resolution of 0.39 × 0.39 mm(2) enabled the analysis of spatially varying degrees of hyperpolarization. The minimal detectable amount of favipiravir per voxel was estimated to about 500 pmol. The results show that (19)F photo-CIDNP is a promising method for the non-invasive detection of suitable (19)F-containing drugs and other compounds with very low levels of the substance.