T2 Characterization of Oil-In-Water Emulsions for NMR Sensor Applications

Abstract

Fluid status assessment is an essential aspect of healthcare with implications in chronic conditions such as renal disease and congestive heart failure. Current fluid status determination techniques lack quantitative methods and standards. Our research explores a point-of-care approach through a portable single-sided magnetic resonance (MR) sensor. We are developing a more accurate and clinically relevant hydration metric through measuring localized skeletal muscle. Phantoms are used as stand-ins for a human subject to calibrate and ensure system functionality. The microstructure of an emulsion also mimics the multiple compartments of tissue such as the intra and extracellular volumes of muscle and adipose tissue. We aim to use oil-in-water emulsions as phantoms to ensure device reproducibility and determine how much the scale of the microstructure affects relaxation behavior. A quantitative understanding of the length scales appropriate for muscle and adipose tissue will help determine the reliability of our hydration measurement.