SBIR-STTR Award

To develop products that enhance research methods and applications in animal research using magnetic resonance imaging to study mental illness. PHASE I The planar gradient coil, or PROTOTYPE we propose to develop will optimize the working area inside MR spectrometers expanding the experimental applications and the types of animals that can be studied in small bore ultra-high field magnets. This PROTOTYPE would be an innovative advance in gradient coil design that could substitute for the conventional cylindrical gradient coils that appreciably reduce the working area in the magnet. The specific aims are: (1) Simulate the magnetic field homogeneity and linearity for different wire patterns and planar dimensions using numerical modeling programs, (2) Based on the simulation data, design, construct and bench test the electrical performance of the PROTOTYPE, and (3) Test the performance of the PROTOTYPE in a monkey functional imaging study. HEALTH RELATEDNESS Using non-invasive MRI in various animal species, particularly monkeys to study brain development and function will make it possible to: (1) design prospective studies to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of mental illness, and (2) evaluate the site of action and efficacy of new drugs developed for the treatment of mental illness. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Research in the field of ultra-high field MRI for animal research is growing tremendously. Last year alone, there were over 1000 papers published in this area of science. The technological innovations proposed by INSL are expected to expand the methods and applications of MRI in the study of mental illness in animal models.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, computer simulation, electrical property, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic field, magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging Macaca mulatta, bioengineering /biomedical engineering, bioimaging /biomedical imaging

In Phase I of this STTR it was shown that it is technically feasible to substitute a planar gradient coil design for the conventional cylindrical coil design to provide greater working space inside magnetic resonance scanners. The planar gradient coil design increases the research potential of hundreds of small-bore ultra-high field scanners to include a variety of large animals. To expand the application of this system and expedite its commercialization potential the first year of Phase II product develop will focus on: (1) the design and integration of three gradient coils into a planar configuration, (2) incorporation of this design into small animal restrainers already fitted with radiofrequency electronics, and (3) start of a commercialization plan for production, marketing and sales of this new technology. Developing a planar gradient coil design integrated into a dual coil animal restrainer for preclinical MRI will impact on two major areas of interest to the National Institute of Mental Health: (1) improving drug discovery and drug evaluation in the treatment of mental illness, and (2) noninvasive imaging of brain structure, activity and chemistry over the life span of an animal. An essential piece of any drug discovery and development program for psychiatric disorders is evaluating brain activity and behavior in multiple animal models, particularly non-human primates. The products developed in this proposal will allow researchers to perform functional imaging/drug/development studies with enhanced signal-to- noise. The final product design will provide enhanced flexibility and usability, making it possible for the lay scientist to perform imaging on a range of research animals over a wide range of magnet field strengths and bore sizes.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, electrical property, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic field, magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging, restraint Macaca mulatta, bioengineering /biomedical engineering, bioimaging /biomedical imaging