In Vivo Imaging for Biomedical Research
In vivo imaging enables researchers to visualize biological processes in living animals non-invasively and longitudinally, reducing animal numbers while providing dynamic information that cannot be obtained from endpoint analyses alone.
Nuclear imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT offer exceptional sensitivity for detecting molecular and metabolic processes throughout the entire body. They enable quantitative assessment of disease progression, drug biodistribution, target engagement, and treatment response.
Optical imaging techniques, including bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, provide highly sensitive, cost-effective tools for monitoring cellular and molecular events in vivo. They are widely used for tracking gene expression, tumor growth, immune responses, and fluorescently labeled probes in preclinical research.
Together, these complementary technologies support translational research across oncology, neuroscience, immunology, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and drug development.
Molecubes PET/CT
The Molecubes PET/CT system combines high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) with anatomical computed tomography (CT) specifically designed for mice and rats.
Technology
- PET provides highly sensitive molecular imaging using radiotracers.
- CT delivers detailed anatomical information and attenuation correction.
- Integrated PET/CT enables precise localization of biological processes within anatomical structures.
Advantages
- High spatial resolution for small-animal imaging
- Quantitative whole-body molecular imaging
- Fast acquisition and streamlined workflows
- Longitudinal monitoring of disease and therapy response
- Up to 4 mice per scan
Applications
- Oncology and tumor metabolism
- Drug biodistribution and pharmacokinetics
- Cardiovascular research
- Inflammation and immune-imaging
- Target validation and theranostics
MILabs VECTor+ SPECT/PET/CT
The MILabs VECTor+ is a versatile multimodal imaging platform integrating SPECT, PET, and CT within a single system.
Technology
- SPECT and PET enables highly sensitive and quantitative imaging of radiolabeled compounds using a wide range of isotopes.
- CT offers high-resolution anatomical reference images.
Advantages
- Multiple imaging modalities in one platform
- Possibility of multi-isotope multiplex imaging
- Exceptional sensitivity and flexibility
- Support for diverse radionuclides and imaging protocols
Applications
- Oncology and tumor metabolism
- Drug biodistribution and pharmacokinetics
- Cardiovascular research
- Inflammation and immune-imaging
- Target validation and theranostic
BioSpace PhotonImager (BLI/FLI)
The PhotonImager provides whole-body optical imaging using both bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and fluorescence imaging (FLI).
Technology
- BLI detects light emitted from luciferase-expressing cells or organisms.
- FLI detects fluorescent proteins, dyes, and targeted fluorescent probes.
Advantages
- Extremely sensitive detection of biological signals
- Rapid and non-invasive imaging
- Cost-effective longitudinal studies
- High-throughput screening capability (up to 5 mice)
Applications
- Tumor growth and metastasis monitoring in orthotopic models
- Cell tracking
- Gene expression studies (mRNA, lentiviral vectors, AAV's, ...)
- Infection models
- Evaluation of targeted fluorescent probes
Leica STELLARIS Two-Photon Intravital Microscope
The Leica STELLARIS two-photon microscope enables high-resolution imaging of cellular processes deep within living tissues.
Technology
- Two-photon excitation uses near-infrared light to image hundreds of micrometers below the tissue surface.
- Reduced phototoxicity and photobleaching enable long-term live imaging.
- Supports intravital microscopy in living animals.
Advantages
- Deep tissue penetration
- High spatial resolution
- Reduced photodamage
- Real-time visualization of dynamic biological processes
Applications
- Immune cell trafficking
- Tumor microenvironment studies
- Neurobiology
- Vascular biology
- Cell-cell interaction studies
Leica THUNDER Stereo Fluorescence Microscope
The Leica THUNDER Stereo system provides fluorescence imaging with enhanced contrast and clarity for intravital and ex vivo specimens.
Technology
- THUNDER computational clearing reduces out-of-focus blur in thick samples.
- Stereo microscopy provides a large field of view and three-dimensional visualization.
Advantages
- Fast image acquisition
- Improved contrast without extensive post-processing
- Ideal for large tissues and whole-organ imaging
- User-friendly workflow
Applications
- Intravital tissue and organ fluorescence imaging via optical windows
- Advanced 3D cell culture, spheroids and organoids
- Angiogenesis and tissue penetration studies of pharmaceuticals
- Fluorescent reporter studies
Fluobeam Near-Infrared Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging
The Fluobeam system provides real-time near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging for image-guided procedures and intravital studies.
Technology
- Detects NIR fluorescent probes such as indocyanine green (ICG) and targeted fluorophores.
- Generates real-time fluorescence overlays to visualize labeled structures.
Advantages
- Real-time imaging guidance
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Excellent tissue penetration compared with visible fluorescence
- Portable and easy to integrate into experimental workflows
Applications
- Image-guided surgery
- Tumor margin visualization
- Lymphatic and vascular imaging
- Evaluation of targeted fluorescent tracers
- Translational fluorescence-guided research