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Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)

Project Summary:

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a recently proposed full-body imaging platform for locating superparamagnetic, nanocrystalline molecular probes (SNMPs) by mapping their response to a stimulating magnetic field. This mapping is done quickly and non-invasively, in a method analogous to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Compared with MRI techniques for detecting SNMPs, MPI offers improved signal to noise ratio and faster scanning times. Due to these improvements, MPI can provide new analytic and diagnostic capabilities in biology and medicine.

In collaboration with Dr. Kevin Minard of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, a prototype MPI device is under development. Using this device, we are analyzing the dependence of SNR and spatial resolution on SNMP composition, size and size distribution.

Recent Presentations:
M. Ferguson, Materials Research Society spring meeting, San Francisco, CA. "Optimization of monodisperse superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic particle imaging," March 2008.

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