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Spin diffusion in nanoparticles
The aim of this project is to study the nuclear spin diffusion in semiconducting nanoparticles as a potential next generation hyperpolarized imaging agent
Keywords: Magnetic resonance, NMR, MRI, hyperpolarization, nanoparticles, semiconductors
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically limited to proton imaging due to a lack of concentration and sensitivity of other nuclei. Injection of hyperpolarized - polarization far beyond the thermal equilibrium - substrates offers a route to extend MRI to other nuclei with completely new imaging possibilities. Despite impressive metabolic in-vivo results with a more than 10’000-fold enhanced signal, hyperpolarized organic substrates are limited by their short relaxation times (spin-lattice or T1 relaxation) of around one minute. In crystalline, semiconducting nanoparticles these can exceed 30 minutes, creating interest for imaging applications if a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be achieved.
The diffusive transport of nuclear hyperpolarization is considered to be essential for the long relaxation times under physiological conditions. The interplay between spin diffusion, different relaxation processes, chemical shifts and defects is far from understood. The project should shed insight on the interplay between these through finite element and semi-classical simulations based on experimental results.
The project would be shared between the cardiovascular magnetic resonance group (Prof. Sebastian Kozerke) and the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance group (Prof. Matthias Ernst). Access to state-of-the-art hyperpolarization equipment (three home-built dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) set-ups) for experimental work and the project outline would be discussed with the candidate based on experiences and interests.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically limited to proton imaging due to a lack of concentration and sensitivity of other nuclei. Injection of hyperpolarized - polarization far beyond the thermal equilibrium - substrates offers a route to extend MRI to other nuclei with completely new imaging possibilities. Despite impressive metabolic in-vivo results with a more than 10’000-fold enhanced signal, hyperpolarized organic substrates are limited by their short relaxation times (spin-lattice or T1 relaxation) of around one minute. In crystalline, semiconducting nanoparticles these can exceed 30 minutes, creating interest for imaging applications if a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be achieved. The diffusive transport of nuclear hyperpolarization is considered to be essential for the long relaxation times under physiological conditions. The interplay between spin diffusion, different relaxation processes, chemical shifts and defects is far from understood. The project should shed insight on the interplay between these through finite element and semi-classical simulations based on experimental results.
The project would be shared between the cardiovascular magnetic resonance group (Prof. Sebastian Kozerke) and the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance group (Prof. Matthias Ernst). Access to state-of-the-art hyperpolarization equipment (three home-built dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) set-ups) for experimental work and the project outline would be discussed with the candidate based on experiences and interests.
Not specified
If you are interested, please contact Gevin von Witte (vonwitte@biomed.ee.ethz.ch). Supervising professors would be Prof. Sebastian Kozerke (kozerke@biomed.ee.ethz.ch) and/ or Prof. Matthias Ernst (matthias.Ernst@nmr.phys.chem.ethz.ch)
If you are interested, please contact Gevin von Witte (vonwitte@biomed.ee.ethz.ch). Supervising professors would be Prof. Sebastian Kozerke (kozerke@biomed.ee.ethz.ch) and/ or Prof. Matthias Ernst (matthias.Ernst@nmr.phys.chem.ethz.ch)
