DARK-MRI - Monophasic Dark Enteric Contrast Material for Precision Abdominopelvic MR Imaging

• Applicant: Dr. Felix Herr
• Subject Area: Radiology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 580734596

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a central role in the diagnosis of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the abdomen. However, its diagnostic value is often limited by inadequate visualization of the bowel lumen and the shortcomings of currently available oral contrast agents. These so-called biphasic agents appear bright in some MRI sequences and dark in others, which can obscure or mask pathological signals. The research project DARK-MRI aims to preclinically develop and evaluate a novel monophasic dark contrast agent (DBCM, Dark Borosilicate Contrast Material) that enables uniformly dark visualization of the bowel lumen across all MRI sequences. This approach is expected to allow clearer and more contrasted delineation of inflammatory and tumor-related changes that typically appear bright on MRI. Within the project, different DBCM formulations will first be investigated in standardized MRI phantoms to optimize signal characteristics, image quality, and motion stability. Subsequently, a systematic comparison with established biphasic reference agents will be performed to assess spatial resolution, artifact susceptibility, and robustness across multiple field strengths (0.55 T, 1.5 T, and 3.0 T). In the long term, DARK-MRI aims to improve diagnostic accuracy in abdominal radiology and establish a foundation for the translational application of innovative oral MRI contrast agents. At the same time, the project contributes to building independent scientific expertise at the interface between experimental and clinical radiology.

• DFG Programme: Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Benjamin M. Yeh