CPS: Breakthrough: A Cyber-Physical Framework for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Guided Magnetic NanoParticles

该项目研究了一种新型的网络物理系统（CPS），包括在流体环境中的磁性纳米颗粒，如人体组织，其运动由计算机通过磁场控制。该研究旨在开发计算和实验工具，在磁共振成像（MRI）环境下对该纳米颗粒系统进行动态建模、闭环控制和实验验证。设想的CPS基础设施由一个新的计算平台组成，用于对磁性纳米颗粒在流体环境（如人体的小动脉和小动脉或充满液体的腔体）中的聚集和分解过程进行3D模拟、可视化和后处理分析。它还包括开发鲁棒控制算法，用于在MRI环境中引导一群磁性纳米颗粒。实验验证将在临床MRI扫描仪和定制的实验室试验台中进行，这些试验台可以产生能够在流体环境中移动磁性纳米颗粒的可控磁场。这项基础研究的潜在应用包括纳米机器人药物输送系统，由磁性纳米颗粒系统组成，由MRI扫描仪引导，用于在人体中靶向药物输送。该项目通过研究生和本科生参与研究，以及PI和研究生参与高中和初中学生的几项外展活动来整合教育。

This project investigates a new type of cyber-physical system (CPS), comprising magnetic nanoparticles in a fluidic environment such as human tissue whose motion is controlled by a computer via a magnetic field. The research aims to develop computational and experimental tools to perform the dynamic modeling, closed loop control and experimental validation of such a system of nanoparticles under guidance and observation using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. The envisioned CPS infrastructure is composed of a new computational platform to perform 3D simulation, visualization and post-processing analysis of the aggregation and disaggregation process of magnetic nanoparticles within a fluidic environment like the small arteries and arterioles or fluid-filled cavities of the human body. It also includes the development of robust control algorithms for the guidance of a swarm of magnetic nanoparticles in a MRI environment. Experimental validation is to be performed in clinical MRI scanners and in customized laboratory test-beds that generate controllable magnetic fields able to move magnetic nanoparticles in fluidic environments. Potential applications of this basic research include nano-robotic drug delivery systems, composed of a system of magnetic nanoparticles guided by MRI scanners for targeted drug delivery in the human body. The project integrates education through participation of graduate and undergraduate students in the research, and involvement of the PI and graduate students in several outreach activities for students in high and middle schools.