Francesca Reineri

Francesca Reineri serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino. She teaches across multiple programs including the Master Program in Molecular Biotechnology, Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology, and Chemistry degree courses, delivering specialized instruction in Biomedical Imaging, General and Inorganic Chemistry, Structural Analysis for Biological Studies, and Imaging Diagnostics.

Her research centers on metabolic imaging and hyperpolarization methodologies with three primary focus areas:

• Development of hyperpolarization techniques in NMR spectroscopy using parahydrogen and DNP
• Investigation of hydrogenation reaction catalysis through parahydrogen applications
• Implementation of hyperpolarization technologies in MRI for advanced metabolic imaging

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory in hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI for cancer diagnostics and metabolic studies. Her work demonstrates particular expertise in pyruvate and lactate metabolism imaging, with applications spanning tumor characterization, cardiac function assessment, and real-time metabolic pathway analysis. The publications show progressive technical refinement in para-hydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) methods and growing clinical relevance in cancer diagnostics.

Dr. Reineri actively mentors doctoral students as a member of the tutors for the PhD school in Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Sciences. Her departmental involvement includes participation in the Departmental Council (Consiglio di Dipartimento).

She leads the "Metabolic Imaging & hyperpolarization" research group which focuses on:

• Development of hyperpolarized molecular probes for medical imaging
• Application of para-hydrogen technology in metabolic imaging
• Investigation of cancer metabolism through advanced imaging techniques
• Enhancement of MRI sensitivity for early disease detection
• Study of metabolite transport across cellular membranes
• Refinement of polarization transfer techniques for heteronuclear applications