Project of the Slovak Research and Development Agency,  APVV-15-0029

Project duration: 07.2016 – 06.2019

Co-operation with:

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava - Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology

Annotation:

Intense development of the imaging methods based on magnetic resonance using up-to-date technical equipment - NMR tomographs gives extraordinary chance to the basic research aspects of this scientific orientation. Modern MR open scanners with ability to develop own sequences allow for wide basic research of imaging, measurement and mapping of the specific physical quantities and object for improvement of biomedical and material research with clinical applications.
The main goal of this project proposal will be the design of progressive comparative MRI imaging methods using the whole range of MRI scanners (0.1, 0.2, 4.7 to 7 Tesla) with special focus on:
- theoretical and experimental investigation of scanning approaches measurement and mapping of specific physical quantities of the organic and synthetic materials,
- in-vivo an in-vitro imaging of ferritin at different MR scanners, sequence development, data processing and investigation of the ferritin influence on MR image. Imaging of the tissues (brain, liver) and protocol standardization for imaging of ferritin in the clinical practice,
- methods of cartilage and meniscus imaging - the early diagnostics of connective tissue depletion, relaxation times mapping for collagen structure assessment,
- monitoring of particle deposition as drug carriers to target tissues in the form of superparamagnetic material.
The investigation of the possible targeting using gradient magnetic fields,
- investigation of artefacts with various sequences, testing of the spectral properties of vibrations and noise generated by gradients activity; development, application and testing algorithms for their effect compensation.
Additionally, the add on value will be the non-invasive nature of all methods which will be beneficial for early diagnostics of pathological processes in medical research and also in clinical practice.