Preclinical imaging

Provides superior soft tissue contrast and molecular imaging capability. Pulse sequences include high-resolution anatomical imaging, fMRI, diffusion MRI, angiography spectroscopy, amoung many others. Sydney Imaging has two different preclinical MRI sacnners from MR Solutions, a 3 Tesla (MRS 3017) and 7 Tesla (MRS 7024).

Key features

• High spatial resolution for greater visualisation and quantification
• PET Insert for simultaneous PET/MR at 3T (resolution ~0.7 mm and an axial FOV of 5 – 10 cm)
  

Specifications

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.

We are currently also establishing a radiochemistry facility at Sydney Imaging, to support radiotracer development.

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:

DXA is a non-invasive technique which uses small dose of ionizing radiation to image bone density and body composition. The InAlyzer DXA system provides accurate and precise measurements of bone mineral density, bone, fat and lean contents in rodents within a short imaging time. Applications include diet, genetics, cell physiology, materials research studies and more.

Key features

• Fully shielded X-Ray system
• Switch between X-ray imaging (DR) and DXA mode
• Provide high-resolution images, enabling structural analysis
• Select from bone, lean, and fat tissue maps for detailed ROI DXA analysis
• Built-in real-time camera for animal monitoring
• Measurement results can be exported in Excel format

Specifications

Sydney Imaging has two systems, one at the Charles Perkins Centre and the other at Kolling Institute. These include the Vevo F2 LAZR-X Multi-Modal Imaging system, which is the most advance 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

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 animals 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

Computed tomography specifications

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.  Our MiLab MicroCT scanner 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

Sydney Imaging offers radiochemistry capabilities at the Brain and Mind Centre. Our lab is equipped with two hot cells, a radiation fume hood, radio-HPLC analysis, a gamma counter, and the Flexlab synthesis module, enabling sophisticated radiolabelling of various molecules and peptides with 18F. For smaller-scale projects, we also offer manual radiolabelling. A key feature of our facility is the 68Ga generator, which provides a consistent and substantial source of activity, ensuring efficient and timely radiolabelling and research. Our capabilities extend to in-vitro studies, allowing for the evaluation of newly developed compounds on cells prior to animal studies, thus bridging the gap between pre-clinical research and clinical application. We currently work with 18F, 64Cu, 68Ga, and 11C isotopes.