Preclinical imaging
The preclinical facilities at Sydney Imaging provide a wide range of modality options for healthcare researchers conducting in vivo studies for clinical translation.
Provides superior soft tissue contrast and molecular imaging capability. Pulse sequences include fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging, angiography and in vivo spectroscopy. Sydney Imaging has two different models of preclinical MRIs from MR Solutions available for use, at 3 Tesla (MRS 3017) and 7 Tesla (MRS 7024). Future additions to Sydney Imaging capabilities will include ultra-high field preclinical MRI.
Key features
- High spatial resolution for greater visualisation and quantification
- PET Insert available in 2018 for simultaneous PET/MR (resolution ~0.7 mm and an axial FOV of 5 – 10 cm)
Specifications
|
3T (MRS 3017) |
7T (MRS 7024) |
Field strength |
0.1T – 3.0T (rampable) |
0.1T – 7.0T (rampable) |
Bore size |
17cm |
24cm |
F.O.V |
Elliptical: 100mm x 70mm |
Elliptical: 154mm x 98mm |
Homogeneity |
Over 30mm +/- 0.1ppm, |
Over 42mm DSV +/- 0.1ppm, Over 84mm DSV +/- 1ppm |
Gradient strength |
X – 486 mT/m |
X – 344 mT/m Y – 332 mT/m Z – 375 mT/m |
Rx/Tx channels |
2 to 16 / 1 or 2 |
4 to 16 / 2 |
The EchoMRI 900 is a high-throughput body composition analyser that employs magnetic resonance relaxation analysis for measuring fat tissue, lean tissue, free water and total water masses in alert models, weighing up to 900g. The system is easy to operate and ideal for longitudinal body composition measurements. Applications include obesity and nutrition studies.
Key features
- Superior precision in delivering precise body composition measurements
- No anaesthesia required
- High-throughput instrument capable of less than 2 minute scan time per animal
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging is a powerful molecular imaging modality, which produces spatiotemporal quantitative 3D and 4D (3D+time) images of several physiological processes in vivo, such as metabolic activity and receptor occupancy/density. When combined with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-sensitivity functional information of metabolic or biochemical activity can be superimposed (co-registered) with high-resolution structural images, adding precision of anatomical localisation to functional processes.
In collaboration with Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and National Imaging Facility (NIF), Sydney Imaging users can access state-of-the-art imaging facilities and methodological expertise on experimental design, data acquisition and image processing. Available emission tomography imaging equipment includes:
| Modality/Scanner | Field of view (transaxial/axial) | Spatial resolution | Absolute sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET MicroPET Focus220 (Siemens) |
190mm/76mm | 1.7mm (centre of FOV) | 3.4% |
| 3T PET/MR I-402 PET insert (MR Solutions) |
40mm/98mm | 1.5mm (centre of FOV) | 10.15% |
| PET/CT Inveon (Siemens) |
100mm/127mm | 1.4mm (centre of FOV) | 5.75% |
| PET/SPECT/CT Inveon (Siemens) |
100mm/127mm | SPECT 0.6-1.0mm (mice) 1.2-2.0mm (rats) |
SPECT 404cps/MBq (mice) 175cps/MBq (rats) |
In collaboration with ANSTO, Sydney Imaging users can also access an 18 MeV cyclotron, a range of commonly used radioisotopes, as well as radiochemistry expertise from the nearby National Research Cyclotron Facility. Currently available radiotracers include (but not limited to):
| Radiotracer | Physcial half-life (mins) | Potential applications |
|---|---|---|
| [11C]acetate | 20.36 | oxidative metabolism, myocardial blood flow |
| [11C]methionine | 20.36 | glioma brain tumour |
| [11C]raclopride | 20.36 | dopamine D2/D3 receptor density and affinity |
| [18F]T807 | 109.7 | tau protein aggregates |
| [18F]PBR-111 | 109.7 | neuroinflammation, TSPO imaging |
| [18F]SDM-8 | 109.7 | synaptic density, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein (SV2A) |
DXA is a non-invasive technique which uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to image bone structure and mineral composition. The Faxitron Ultrafocus DXA system is capable of measuring bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and lean and fat mass percentages in small animal models. Applications include nutrition studies, bone implants, tumour growth, osteoporosis and ageing models.
Key features
- Switch between X-ray imaging and DXA mode
- Select from bone, lean, and fat tissue maps for detailed ROI DXA analysis
Specifications
Energy range |
10 - 100 kV |
Sample imaging area |
10cm x 15cm (4" x 6") |
Pixel pitch |
48µm |
Spatial resolution |
8µm at 6X geometric magnification |
Window filtration |
0.25mm Be, tungsten source |
Typical DXA analysis time |
Less than 3 minutes |
Vevo 2100 with VevoLAZR is a hybrid micro-imaging system providing inherent co-registration of the photoacoustic signal with anatomical ultrasound imaging, providing anatomical, physiological, functional and molecular data. Applications include cardiology, vascular biology, oncology, developmental biology, neurology, biomarker/molecular imaging, tissue perfusion and contrast imaging.
Key features
- Heated imaging stage with physiological monitoring (ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature), transducer mounting and injection system
- Photoacoutic imaging with tunable lazer for multispectral mixing, oxygen saturation, haemoglobin content and contrast imaging
- Expandable image processing options: Doppler modes, M-mode, 3D, contrast imaging
- Advanced analysis software for cardiac function assessment, contrast imaging and tissue perfusion
Specifications
Frequency range |
13 – 70 MHz |
Frame rate |
Up to 1000 fps |
Spatial resolution |
Up to 30 µm |
Transducers |
3 available linear array transducers: MS700 – 30 – 70 MHz MS550D – 22 – 55 MHz LZ250 – 13 – 24 MHz (with photoacoustic capability) |
VevoLAZR |
680 – 970 nm wavelength , 1cm tissue penetration, 75 µm resolution |
The IVIS Spectrum CT is a multimodality imaging instrument capable of optical imaging (bioluminescence, fluorescence) and low dose CT for anatomical registration in small anaesthetised models as well as ex vivo and in vitro samples. This technology offers longitudinal in vivo monitoring of disease progression, drug treatments and biomarker development. Applications include oncology, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, neurology, infectious diseases and respiratory research.
Key features
- High throughput optical screening of up to five mice or three rats simultaneously
- 3D optical tomography for fluorescence and bioluminescence with CT for anatomical registration
- Living Image software for analysis of data, including spectral unmixing, wellplate quantification and ROI analysis
- Integrated anaesthesia with heated chamber
Optical specifications
Max. field of view |
23 x 23cm |
Pixel size/Resolution |
13.5 µm/29 µm |
10 Narrow band excitation filters |
415 nm -760 nm (30 nm bandwidth) |
18 narrow band emission filters |
490 nm -850 nm (20 nm bandwidth) |
Magnifications |
1.5x, 2.5x, 5x, 8.7x |
Computed tomography specifications
Field of view |
120 x120 x 30 (L X W X H, mm) to 20 X 2 X 20 (L X W X H, mm) |
Voxel size |
40 µm – 300 µm |
Reconstruction time |
40 – 150 sec |
Limiting resolution |
150 µm |
Standard scan time |
3.6 to 72 s |
Standard scan dose |
minimum of ~13 mGy |
Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) is capable of generating 3D images of internal microstructure and morphology in living animals or materials (bones, soft tissues, composites) with high resolution. A MicroCT scan offers non-destructive slice-by-slice scanning that can be reconstructed into 3D volumetric objects for quantitative analysis or visualisation. Applications include oncology, bone morphometry, cardiovascular research, respiratory studies, contrast agent development and materials science.
Key features
- Non-invasive, low radiation dose scan
- High throughput and high resolution
- Integrated physiological monitoring and respiratory gating
