Bioreactor for quantification of cell metabolism by MR-hyperpolarization

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR)-hyperpolarization based on dynamic nuclear polarization provides a strongly increased signal intensity allowing real-time metabolic spectroscopic imaging. The MR-hyperpolarization technique is, however, still limited by low signal when applied to cells in culture. To overcome this challenge we propose an integrated bioreactor and radio frequency coil system optimized to enhance signal sensitivity. The system allows 13C MR-hyperpolarization-based quantification of metabolic flux in cells grown in a 3D-printed scaffold. The scaffold is designed to enhance the cell density by providing a large surface area for accelerated growth and at the same time provides a controlled culture environment in terms of nutrient flow, oxygen supply and minimal disturbance of the cells. This study demonstrates that a bioreactor optimized for hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy in scaffolds can be used to assess fast metabolic fluxes in cultivated cells.