Design and construction of a MRI-compatible gustometer

Details

Supervisors

Herman, Benoît ; Macq, Benoît

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil mécanicien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

The design project presented in this document focuses on the development and prototyping of a MRI-compatible gustometer, with the aim of studying neural responses associated with taste perception. The proposed device automates the delivery of liquid tastants at a controlled temperature during functional MRI (fMRI) sequences. The interdisciplinary nature of the project involves mechanical design, programming, and neuroscience aspects. The creation of such a device will offer improved accuracy and standardization in measuring brain activity during studies involving taste. It has applications in the study of taste-related diseases and in the understanding of mechanisms behind food or beverage appreciation. The design process involved clarifying the project needs, evaluating the requirements, and generating multiple design iterations. This thesis concludes with the analysis of experimental results acquired with a first proof of concept and outlines future improvements.