Investigating the feasibility of reverse cross polarization for the development of a new myelin detection technique in MRI

Motivation: The potential of phosphorous MRI to enhance in vivo myelin detection and improve neurodegenerative disease diagnosis inspired our project. However, the challenge lies in transferring the solid phosphorus signal to aqueous protons for MRI measurement. Goal(s): To demonstrate the feasibility of detecting an aqueous proton signal originating from myelin phosphorous, providing a proof of principle result. Approach: We employed gradients in solid-state NMR experiments to investigate signal transfer between aqueous proton signal originating from myelin phosphorous, incorporating encoding and decoding gradients. Results: While individual transfer steps were successful, the complete transfer experiment yielded an unexpected negative result, indicating that further investigation is needed. Impact: The successful transfer of signal from phosphorous in myelin to aqueous hydrogen would lead to a new method for direct myelin detection. This could potentially offer earlier and more direct measurements of demyelination, benefiting those with neurodegenerative diseases.