Collabortive Research: Mathematical optimization for targeted macro-molecules delivery to the brain

这项研究的目标是研究一种新的计算方法，利用先进的医学成像技术来测量大脑几何形状和组织特性，来预测注入治疗性大分子在人脑中的分布。特别是，组织不均匀性和药物在三维人脑中的各向异性分布的影响将被纳入。将计算药物靶向的最佳导管放置位置，以减少毒性并提高治疗效果。受体的基因组图谱可以纳入所提出的数学模型，以确定药物活性的空间分布。这项研究将由一个由两名生化工程师、一名神经外科医生和一名核磁共振物理学家组成的跨学科研究小组进行。智力优势：提出的在人脑中进行三维药物输送的方法将(i)汇集医学成像和严格的数学分析方面的最新进展，（ii）为表示大脑的非均匀性和各向异性特性创建数学公式，以及（iii）考虑输液管放置的影响。更广泛的影响：这项研究将现有的医学成像技术与新的数学建模和科学计算方法相结合。创建人脑计算网格和大脑传输现象符号代码的进展将通过全球网络共享，以吸引对该主题的关注，并创建一个不断增长的科学社区。由于PI通过美国国家科学基金会教师研究经验网站（RET）致力于高中数学和科学教育，以及他通过本科研究指导（REU）向少数民族和代表性不足的群体伸出援助之手，预计将产生巨大的教育影响。

Collaborative Research: Mathematical optimization for targeted macro-molecules delivery to the brainAndreas A. LinningerUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoCBET-0730048The goal of this research is to study a new computational approach to predict the distribution of infused therapeutic macromolecules in the human brain using advanced medical imaging techniques to measure brain geometry and tissue properties. In particular, the impact of tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropic drug distribution in the three-dimensional human brain will be incorporated. Optimal catheter placement for drug targeting will be computed to reduce toxicity and improve the effectiveness of treatments. Genome maps of receptors can be incorporated into the proposed mathematical model for determining the spatial distribution of the drug activity. This research will be carried out by an interdisciplinary research team composed of two biochemical engineers, a neurosurgeon, and an MRI physicist. Intellectual Merits: The proposed approach of three dimensional transport drug deliveries in the human brain will (i) bring together recent advancements in medical imaging and rigorous mathematical analysis, (ii) create mathematical formulations for the representation of the inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties of the brain, and (iii) account for the effect of infusion catheter placement. Broader Impacts: This research will integrate existing medical imaging technology with new mathematical modeling and scientific computing methods. The progress of creating computational grids of the human brain and symbolic codes for cerebral transport phenomena will be shared via the world-wide web to attract attention to the subject and create a growing scientific community. A large educational impact is expected because of the PI's commitment to high school math and science education via the NSF site for research experiences for teachers (RET), as well as his outreach to minorities and underrepresented groups through undergraduate research (REU) mentorship.