Masters Applied Projects

Project 5

Radiofrequency Coil for Deuterium Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Student:

Sasha Hakhu

Mentors:

Dr. Scott Beeman – SBHSE

Dr. Vikram Kodibagkar – SBHSE

Dr. SungMin Sohn – SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/2016547123

Abstract:

Recent work has shown that by replacing hydrogen (¹H) with deuterium (²H) on metabolically active molecules like glucose and acetate, one can quantify their uptake and metabolism using deuterium (²H) MRI. Similarly, uptake and metabolism of deuterated amino acids in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) can be measured with ²H MRI. A method to map amino acid uptake and metabolism in GBM while maintaining the accessibility and value of contrast enhanced MRI would be a significant clinical advance. Hence, ²H MRI helps bridge this gap by providing the metabolic pathway of the desired substrates. The goal of this project is to develop a surface RF Coil that is suitable for Magnetic Resonance Imaging using Deuterium. The main magnet of the MRI machine produces a large magnetic field that is represented by the symbol B₀. The RF coil plays the role of generating a magnetic field B₁, which is much smaller in magnitude than B₀ and is perpendicular to the static magnetic field B₀. Its purpose is to match the resonating frequency of the protons in the body such that its energy gets transferred to the spin system and their net alignment can be changed. This RF Coil has to be built for a 9.4 T MRI scanner and hence should be able to transmit as well as receive a frequency of approximately 61.44 MHz [ω = γB where, gyromagnetic ratio (a constant), γ=6.536 MHzT⁻¹ and magnetic field, B=9.4 T]. It is expected that, by using this coil for studies and experiments, with a focus on Deuterium based MRI, the efficacy and feasibility of ²H MRI will be established and will help in the mapping of GBM amino acid uptake and metabolism and for future clinical trials.