An Electronic Aerosol Delivery System for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Growing public health concerns regarding the addictive nature of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs).
• Need for objective measures of brain function during e-cig use to assess addiction potential.
• Limited existing methods for delivering e-cig aerosols during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a prototype device for delivering e-cig aerosols during fMRI.
• To assess the feasibility and safety of using the prototype in research settings.
• To enable objective brain imaging studies related to e-cig consumption.

Main Methods:

• Standardized testing of device airflow variability, nicotine yield, and free radical production.
• fMRI scans conducted with and without the device to evaluate MRI data quality and safety.
• Participant recruitment of daily smokers to assess plasma nicotine absorption across various e-liquid concentrations (8-36 mg/ml).
• Collection of participant feedback via interviews and questionnaires on comfort and subjective experience.

Main Results:

• High correlation (R² = 0.965) between e-liquid nicotine concentration and nicotine yield in aerosol.
• Device reduced nicotine yield by 48% and free radical production by 17%.
• Highest nicotine concentration (36 mg/ml) produced the greatest plasma nicotine boost (6.6 ng/ml).
• Participants found the device comfortable and tolerable; it was safe for fMRI with minimal impact on scan quality.

Conclusions:

• A prototype successfully designed and tested for safe and effective e-cig aerosol delivery during fMRI.
• The device facilitates brain activation assessment during e-cig use.
• Potential to compare brain reactivity across different e-cig flavors, nicotine levels, and product variations.