Event Information
Development of Advanced MRI Methods for Improving Signal and Contrast in Biomedical Imaging Applications
- Abstract:
The purpose of this dissertation is to report advanced developments in magnetic resonance, with the ultimate goal for improving signal and contrast in biomedical applications. Pulse sequence design has been crucial to these developments. More specifically, novel MRI pulse sequences have been designed to enhance signal and contrast in tissue and characterize microstructure. We have developed and applied modified multipulse echo sequences with optimized interpulse delays for tissue imaging. These sequences have enhanced the signal and may provide new contrast in various tissues, including normal, tumor, and fatty tissues. Specially designed pulses were also used to probe material microstructure using intermolecular multiple quantum coherence (iMQC) signal that arises from the dipolar field over well-defined distances. Using iMQCs, mesoscopic anisotropy in developing rat brains was studied, which required significant pulse sequence optimizations and corrections to the original dipolar field framework; moreover, the restricted diffusion in uni- and multi-lamellar vesicles such as liposomes and polymersomes was characterized, with potential applications for monitoring drug transport and release.
Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Examination Seminar
Departmental Seminar