MRI Cell Chamber Nesting for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for noninvasive functional evaluation of internal cell structures in 2D and 3D multicellular constructs are limited by low resolution and require toxic substances or ionizing radiation, making them unsuitable for real-time, high-resolution imaging of mechanical activity in cells.
Innovation Solution
A system using MRI with a cell chamber and MRI-compatible electrodes to synchronize MRI scans with cell electrophysiological activity, increasing resolution and signal-to-noise ratio by minimizing coil distance and averaging images during specific phases of the cell activity cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If MRI is used for imaging cells, then soft-tissue contrast is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to millimeter-to-centimeter scale limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the cell chamber inside the MRI receiving coil, nesting the sample within the imaging device. This minimizes the distance between the cells and the coil, allowing the MRI system to achieve submillimeter resolution while maintaining soft-tissue contrast capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by synchronizing MRI scans with specific phases of the cell activity cycle using electrophysiological signals. This timing coordination allows the system to capture mechanical activity at optimal moments, improving the effective resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of the imaging.
2Productivity
If MRI scanning is performed continuously, then real-time imaging is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to limited temporal resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by synchronizing MRI scans with the rhythmic cell activity cycle. Instead of continuous scanning, the system performs periodic scans triggered by electrophysiological signals, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio by capturing data at optimal phases while maintaining real-time imaging capability through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from electrophysiological recordings to control the timing of MRI scans. The processing unit continuously monitors cell electrical activity and uses this feedback to trigger MRI scans at specific phases of the activity cycle, optimizing both temporal resolution and signal quality.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray based imaging is used, then structural imaging is improved, but harmful radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray based imaging with MRI technology, substituting a mechanical/electromagnetic field-based system (MRI) for a radiation-based system (X-ray). This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation exposure while maintaining the ability to image soft tissue structures and mechanical activity.
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
Enables noninvasive, high-resolution, real-time tracking of mechanical and electrical activity in cells, providing soft-tissue contrast without toxicity, suitable for studying cardiac tissues and drug effects.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 2
MRI receiving coil
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for dynamical tracking of movement of cells and cell groups within cell populations using magnetic resonance imaging are provided.