In this project, funded by the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Alexej Jerschow of New York University will develop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy methodology for enhanced visibility and specificity of sodium ions in soft matter systems. In particular, recent findings and algorithms of optimal control theory will be adapted for the optimization of spectroscopic experiments, thus allowing one to probe the ions' local anisotropy and tumbling motion at the boundary between liquids and solids.
Sodium plays an important function in biological systems by binding to macromolecules, maintaining osmotic pressure, and neutralizing charge. Jerschow's studies will provide new measurement capabilities with relevance to the investigation of metal binding to nucleic acids and proteins, tumor detection in tissues, quality control in food and materials sciences, and void-space imaging. In addition to the education of graduate students and post-doctoral coworkers, the research program will also support continued collaborations with Pratt Institute in the field of spectroscopy in arts conservation.
The main goal of this award was to lay groundwork for new MRI methodology that could enable the measurement of sodium concentrations in efficient ways in the body, in tissue samples, or in other materials (e.g. food, or geological repositories). Sodium plays a major role in the human body and varying sodium concentration levels are often symptoms of abnormal tissues or disorders (e.g. cancer, hypertension). Within this award period, the PI characterized the behavior of sodium in different environments and produced efficient radiofrequency waveform excitation techniques for sensitivity enhancement in MRI. One spin-off result from this project was also the development of imaging methodology for the non-destructive assessment of batteries. Students were trained in widely-applicable techniques such as programming, basic radiofrequency engineering, and spectroscopy, which they will be able to apply in their future careers. We have trained a total of 5 graduate students on this award so far. In addition, collaborative activities involved the investigation of the type of stains on manuscript samples, the study of lead-white paint degradation mechanisms, and the study of animal skins as used by indigenous people for clothing. This work involved undergraduate students, and fine arts majors of Pratt institute, as well as, researchers from the Metropolitan Museum. Over 35 invited research talks were given at international conferences, universities, and research institutions on topics related to this award. One US patent application resulted from this award. Over 30 public press articles appeared in connection to this award.
