Hyperpolarized silicon microparticles have been previously demonstrated as in vivo MRI contrast agents; unfortunately, their large size and decreased mobility present limitations for targeted molecular imaging. While nanoscale silicon particles can also be hyperpolarized, their signal enhancement is typically limited by a low concentration of endogenous electrons. As such, no studies to date have demonstrated in vivo 29Si MRI of hyperpolarized nano-scale silicon. We demonstrate improved 29Si hyperpolarization with the addition of an exogenous radical species to both solid and mesoporous nanoparticle samples (30-300 nm diameter), which increases 29Si hyperpolarization and allows in vivo imaging of silicon nanoparticles.
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