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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.04.19.719203

Ultra-high field microstructural MRI of living cortical organoids

Nikolaeva, T.·Jakobs, C. E.·Yon, M.·Adolfs, Y.·Singer, R.·Pasterkamp, R. J.·Krug, J. R.·Tax, C. M. W.
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Abstract

Quantitative microstructural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can noninvasively characterize tissue configuration at micrometer scales, but clinical uptake is limited by validation and optimization in human-relevant scenarios. Organoids are powerful human-relevant tissue models, yet translation is hampered by lack of non-destructive, longitudinal microstructural assessment. Bridging these gaps, microstructural MRI of living organoids can accelerate MRI biomarker and organoid development and validation. Here, we address key obstacles to enable organoid microstructural MRI. First, we use a unique 28.2 T MRI system to achieve spatial resolution with adequate signal-to-noise ratio and feasible scan times. Second, we implement flexible acquisitions with fast readouts to expand multivariate experimental capacity. Third, we develop a workflow combining 3D MRI and 3D lightsheet microscopy for cross-modality anatomical comparison beyond 2D. Using this platform, we demonstrate microstructural MRI of cortical organoids with resolutions down to (20 {micro}m)3, revealing anisotropy, heterogeneity, maturation-dependent differences, and temporal changes in cortical organoids. Correlative lightsheet microscopy confirms correspondence to axonal and nuclear architecture. This platform enables live-organoid MRI as a complementary tool to human- and animal imaging for robust microstructural assessment.

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Nikolaeva, T., Jakobs, C. E., Yon, M., Adolfs, Y., Singer, R., Pasterkamp, R. J., Krug, J. R., Tax, C. M. W.. 2026-04-22. Ultra-high field microstructural MRI of living cortical organoids. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.19.719203

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