Benchtop Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Characterization in Food Science

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an established magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for characterizing tissue structure in medical science. However, the method has seen virtually no application outside of that field. One of the biggest obstructions to broader use of the technique is that it requires expensive high-field MRI equipment, limiting its application to large research institutions and hospitals. Recently, benchtop MRI systems capable of performing DTI experiments have come onto the market. In this article, we present the first evaluation of benchtop DTI technology, focusing on the applications in food science. Three basic measurements are performed to assess the capabilities of the system. Advantages and disadvantages of the benchtop measurements compared to traditional high-field equipment are discussed. Although the benchtop systems have limitations, the low cost and ease of use open an important new avenue for sample characterization in food science.