Low-Field Hyperpolarization MRI Imager for Cellular 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging technologies are slow, not fully three-dimensional, and can destroy or harm cells being examined, while conventional MRI systems require high fields or low temperatures, making them inefficient for cellular resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
A hyperpolarization micro-magnetic resonance imager using a solid-state hyperpolarizer operating at low fields and room temperature, with a compact design that includes a hyperpolarizer source, transmission line, nuclear magnetic resonance tuned circuit, magnet, gradient-shim coil, and integrated imaging cell, enabling three-dimensional imaging with cellular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional optical imaging technologies are used, then imaging speed is improved, but the technology cannot provide full three-dimensional imaging and may destroy or harm cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging mechanisms with magnetic resonance imaging mechanisms. The MRI system uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to image cells, eliminating the need for optical lenses and light sources that can cause phototoxicity and heating. This substitution enables both fast imaging and cell viability preservation through non-ionizing, non-thermal magnetic field interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hyperpolarization to dramatically enhance MRI signal strength by increasing the polarization state of water protons beyond thermal equilibrium. This parameter change allows rapid acquisition of high-resolution 3D images with cellular resolution while maintaining low signal levels that do not require intense excitation, thereby preventing cell damage.
2Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but the systems require high fields or low temperatures making them inefficient for cellular resolution imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hyperpolarization as a preliminary action before MRI imaging to enhance the magnetic polarization of water protons in the sample. This pre-enhancement of spin polarization allows subsequent imaging at low magnetic fields to achieve cellular resolution that would normally require high-field systems, thereby simplifying the overall system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating parameters of MRI by using hyperpolarized samples at low magnetic fields and room temperature instead of requiring high fields or cryogenic temperatures. This parameter transformation enables cellular resolution imaging with a simplified, more accessible system configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The imager provides fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective 3D imaging of biological samples, including normal and tumor cells, with hyperpolarization of water protons enhancing MRI signal and allowing point-of-use infusion within the water's spin relaxation time, while preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
providing ahyperpolarizer microwave signal to the imaging cell via ahyperpolarizer transmission line
Implementation Method 2
applying a magnetic field to the imaging cell
Implementation Method 3
a gradient-shim coil in magnetic communication with the magnet and in magnetic communication with the imaging cell
Implementation Method 4
a nuclear magnetic resonance tuned circuit in electrical communication with a transcoupler and in electrical communication with an integrated imaging cell
Data Source
AI summary
A hyperpolarization micro-magnetic resonance imager for three-dimensional imaging of a biological composition with cellular resolution includes a hyperpolarizer source, hyperpolarizer transmission line, an NMR console, a nuclear magnetic resonance tuned circuit, an imaging cell, a magnet, a gradient-shim coil, a Hall probe and thermometer, and a printed circuit board.