The project's first year focused on creating a small-scale MR imaging system, achieving imaging at ultra-low magnetic fields and producing images at Earth's magnetic field. Chemistry groups developed molecular structures like Nano-diamond particles and nanoprobes, crucial for characterizing Earth field NMR. Additionally, progress was made in synthesizing Ketone molecules for contrast agents, although further instrument development was needed.
In the second year, significant strides were made, with the First-Kernel system operational for Magnetically and Electron Polarized imaging at impressive spatial resolutions. Advanced imaging sequences were optimized, allowing groundbreaking 2D and 3D imaging at ultra-low magnetic fields. Development progressed on the whole-body MRI system, along with strategies for specific contrast agent properties and enzymatic studies, enhancing understanding and refinement for imaging purposes.
In the project's final phase, CNRS tailored coils for rat imaging. Contributions from Fraunhofer, Pure Devices, UNITO, UMONS, and AMU resulted in the calibration of the whole-body system, development of enzyme-sensitive probes, exploration of nanostructures for targeted delivery, and provision of a modified nitroxide probe. These advancements facilitated high-resolution 3D imaging of rat anatomy and the detection of nitroxides in vital organs, promising exciting prospects for studying various medical conditions.
Overall, the tangible results of the project are :
1) The development of the first instrument, i.e. First-Kernel’, with a fully integrated RF channel, is an optimized solution for ULF imaging, on small volume, compatible with small animal models (rodents).This instrumentation is protected by a patent.
2) The development of different contrast agent strategies Nitroxide (NO) based, applicable using the OMRI investigation tool: Dendrimers-linked NO, NO functionalized nanoparticles, NO loaded liposomes, peptide locked on/off NO and phenol/anilide-based substrate (precursor of NO and alkyl radicals). All these contrast agent are targeting specific enzymatic reactions, already proved in-vitro.
3) The ability to use targeted contrast agents, specific to an enzymatic activity and to monitor the process in real time for in-vitro experiment using OMRI, with the project instrumentation.
4) The feasibility of ULF imaging, at 200µT, on large objects comparable to the human head volume with 20mT magnetic prepolarization.
The project has been presented in 28 international conferences (ISMRM, EUROMAR…). A total of six scientific publications have been published in renowned journal such at JMR. The PrimoGaïa worshop “1st Workshop on Emerging Trends in Molecular Imaging 2023” held in Turin was a great success and gathered over one hundred researchers and industry stakeholders.
