Novel MRI contrast agents and image analysis for studying kidney pathophysiology

Motivation: Visibility of kidney structural and functional properties can be made clearer through the use of exogenous contrast agents, which can then be utilised in the development of more anatomically correct phantoms. Goal(s): Enhancing renal imaging through contrast agent enhanced MRI towards the development of more clinically relevant tissue phantoms. Approach: Synthesis and screening of a library of first row transition metal Schiff base complexes to increase contrast of high resolution kidney images. Results: Schiff base complexes are small planar molecules that have shown to increase R1 relaxation rates both within well plates and pig kidneys. Impact: Imaging phantoms that accurately represent the tissue they are simulating enhances imaging accuracy, aids in machine calibration, supports research and development, improves training for radiologists/technologists, and ensures consistent data in clinical trials, ultimately leading to better diagnostics and patient care.