Preclinical In Vivo Imaging

The Preclinical In Vivo Imaging platform provides advanced non-invasive imaging technologies for preclinical research. The platform combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and X-ray Computed Tomography (µCT), offering complementary methods for anatomical, functional, metabolic and molecular imaging in vivo. Both nuclear medicine modalities (PET and SPECT) are supported by a wide array of clinically used tracers as well as in house labelling when needed.

These technologies enable researchers to study normal physiology and disease processes longitudinally, assess therapeutic interventions and obtain quantitative information across multiple biological scales. By integrating multimodal imaging, the platform supports a broad range of applications in basic, translational and preclinical research.

Our mission is to provide and continuously develop advanced preclinical imaging methods and expertise that empower researchers and facilitate future scientific breakthroughs.

Services

The Preclinical In Vivo Imaging platform provides comprehensive support throughout the entire research process, from study design to data interpretation. Our multidisciplinary team has extensive expertise in preclinical imaging, radiochemistry, radiation physics, MRI methodology and advanced image analysis.

We support researchers in all stages of their projects, including:
•    Experimental planning and study design 
•    Selection and optimization of imaging protocols 
•    Sample preparation and animal handling 
•    Image acquisition using MRI, PET, SPECT and µCT 
•    Quantitative image processing and advanced image analysis 
•    Interpretation of imaging data 

Examples of applications

PET, SPECT and µCT

• Detection and characterization of tumours and metastases 
• Longitudinal monitoring of treatment response in oncology 
• Molecular imaging of tissue function and metabolism 
• Cardiac and respiratory gated imaging 
• Neuroimaging 
• Drug biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies 
• High-resolution anatomical imaging with µCT 
• Multimodal PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging 

MRI

• High-resolution anatomical imaging (2D and 3D, in vivo and ex vivo) 
• Functional and metabolic MRI studies 
• Visualization of stroke and tissue repair 
• Contrast-enhanced MRI 
• Cardiac MRI, including contrast-enhanced imaging 
• Characterization of tumour development 
• Imaging of human plaque samples ex vivo
• Detection and monitoring of bleeding and microbleeds 
• Advanced MRI image analysis and quantitative data processing

Equipment

The Preclinical In Vivo Imaging platform provides access to a fully equipped radiochemistry laboratory for the preparation of radiolabelled compounds. We can label a wide range of biomolecules, including liposomes, antibodies, proteins and small molecules, enabling diverse molecular imaging applications.

The platform also houses state-of-the-art imaging systems for in vivo and ex vivo preclinical imaging:

• Radiochemistry Lab: Trasis synthesis box and hotcell for high-energy isotopes (PET) and labelling lab for low energy isoptopes (SPECT) 
• µPET/CT 
• µSPECT/CT 
• Ultra-high-resolution µCT
• Bruker BioSpec AVANCE NEO 9.4 Tesla MRI 

Together, these complementary modalities support high-resolution anatomical, functional, metabolic and molecular imaging, allowing researchers to perform comprehensive multimodal studies.

For detailed information about each imaging system and its capabilities, please visit the respective XXX pages.