Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange and its Translation to Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Biomedicine

Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool in molecular imaging, providing in vivo, real-time insights into metabolic pathways without ionizing radiation. Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) represents a promising hyperpolarization technique, leveraging parahydrogen to enhance MRI signals. In this concept, we delineate the evolution of SABRE and landmark papers that have enabled us recently to produce biocompatible and low-cost hyperpolarized pyruvate within minutes for in vivo metabolic imaging, showcasing SABRE′s potential for preclinical and near-future clinical settings. Looking ahead, with ongoing efforts focused on optimizing polarizer technology and expanding applications beyond pyruvate, we envision SABRE as a key player in the research and application of HP-MRI due to its simplicity and throughput.