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Pneumatically controlled RF coil design for multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Award Number: R21EB037332
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/03/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2029

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Pneumatically controlled RF coil design for multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy - SUMMARY Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful imaging modalities, capable of providing detailed insights into specific metabolic pathways within tissues through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The recent approval of ultrahigh-field 7 Tesla (7T) MRI systems holds great promise for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), enabling the detection of metabolites at lower concentrations, and allowing for a more comprehensive characterization of tissue biochemistry. Furthermore, the enhanced spatial resolution of 7T MRI improves the separation and identification of metabolite peaks, thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities. In MRI and MRS, each nucleus requires a dedicated radiofrequency (RF) coil for signal induction and acquisition. The quality of the RF coil is a critical determinant of overall signal acquisition performance, particularly in multinuclear applications. However, accommodating multiple nuclei within the same imaging session presents significant technical challenges. Strong RF coupling among resonating structures, substantial signal loss due to additional electrical components required for frequency switching, and limited geometric space for multiple resonating RF circuits must be carefully addressed. Using multiple RF coils or a multi-tuned RF coil typically increases hardware complexity, introduces signal interference, and degrades image quality. Addressing these challenges is essential to fully leverage the advantages of 7T for multinuclear MRI and MRS applications, which have the potential to advance our understanding of tissue biochemistry and pathology beyond structural anatomic imaging. This project aims to overcome these challenges and limitations by developing a novel RF coil, AeroCoil, for multinuclear applications using a single RF coil structure. The AeroCoil will innovatively employ a pneumatic mechanism, termed AeroCap, for capacitive control to switch resonance frequencies. This approach strategically avoids electrical control, eliminating the need for conductive long wires, additional noise, signal loss, and electrical hazards. Aim 1 will focus on the development of a quadruple-tunable AeroCoil capable of switching resonance frequencies for proton (1H), phosphorus (31P), carbon (13C), and deuterium (2H). Aim 2 will demonstrate the automatic tuning and matching capabilities of AeroCoil, enabling dynamic adjustments to varying loading conditions in the quadruple-tunable AeroCoil to ensure optimized frequency and impedance conditions for each nucleus. Aim 3 will validate the clinical applicability of all-in-one multinuclear MRI and MRS for brain tumor imaging using the AeroCoil in vivo animal studies. The outcome of this project will establish a standardized RF coil design for multinuclear MRI and MRS applications at 7T, with potential clinical applicability.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $183,307 )
2026	2026	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	1475 N SCOTTSDALE RD STE 200	SCOTTSDALE	AZ	85257	MARICOPA	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	6/3/2026	NEW	$183,307
														Subtotal = $183,307

Grand Total All Awards = $183,307

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Pneumatically controlled RF coil design for multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Award Number: R21EB037332

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/03/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2029

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