One dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with radiofrequency field gradients/radiofrequency phase gradients and a microstrip as transmitter and receiver for the investigation of 3D cell cultures

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In the framework of this project we want to develop one dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging techniques, which allow for the systematic investigation of the uptake of anticancer drugs by 3D cell culture systems. These techniques will allow for spatially resolved nuclear magnetic resonance measurements with high spatial and spectroscopic resolution for mass- and volume limited samples at any high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, without the need for any dedicated hardware. The distribution of metabolites and pharmaceutical drugs can be determined with this technique in 3D cell culture systems like spheroids as a function of time. The technique is based on a planar microstrip detector, which can easily handle microfluidic chips as sample holders to ensure the viability of the cells. The technique employs radiofrequency field and radiofrequency phase gradients for imaging to avoid mechanical interference and to reduce the influence of discontinuities of the susceptibility on the spectra. For the generation of radiofrequency field gradients the microstrip uses a triangular shaped structure, which gives rise to a linear gradient of current density and the corresponding radiofrequency field as a function of spatial displacement. A nutation technique is used to obtain spatial resolution. Based on this prototype a probe with radiofrequency phase gradients is to be developed, which contains two orthogonally arranged microstrip boards as described before. This setup will help to increase the spatial resolution further.