Preclinical validation bioimaging - Services

U28-S03.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT) is based on the reconstruction of 2D X-ray images captured at different angles to generate a detailed 3D view of the subject. CT imaging is typically used to provide vital contextual information for other modalities as well as for specific studies into bone density, contrast agents, implantation and regenerative technologies. Our Albira system uses dedicated beds for rats and mice with incorporated gas anesthesia. The Albira software suite automates the reconstruction process, while the PMOD software suite enables advanced analyses and the export of data into popular formats such as DICOM.

Customer benefits

We have SOPs and ISO9001 certification. We also have specialist technicians for the use of the equipment.

This service is essential to:

• Dentistry and bone regeneration studies
• Contextual/anatomical imaging in conjunction with other modalities
• Bone density analysis
• Implantation studies

Target customer

Any company or research group interested in:

• Phantom-based measurement of reagent densities (e.g. as part of the characterization of X-ray/CT-based contrast agents)
• Bone-density measurements based on calibration using a calcium hydroxyapatite phantom.
• Image processing, analysis and quantification services, including specialized packages such as PMOD, FIJI and BoneJ.
• Advanced custom 3D visualizations using the Imaris software package.
• Close integration with other BIONAND units for associated animal handling and histology services.

References

1. Caro C, Gámez F, Quaresma P, Páez-Muñoz JM, Domínguez A, Pearson JR, Pernía Leal M, Beltrán AM, Fernandez-Afonso Y, De la Fuente JM, Franco R, Pereira E, García-Martín ML. Fe₃O₄-Au Core-Shell Nanoparticles as a Multimodal Platform for In Vivo Imaging and Focused Photothermal Therapy. Pharmaceutics. 2021 Mar 20;13(3):416. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030416. PMID: 33804636; PMCID: PMC8003746.
2. Christou E, Pearson JR, Beltrán AM, Fernández-Afonso Y, Gutiérrez L, de la Fuente JM, Gámez F, García-Martín ML, Caro C. Iron-Gold Nanoflowers: A Promising Tool for Multimodal Imaging and Hyperthermia Therapy. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Mar 14;14(3):636. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030636. PMID: 35336012; PMCID: PMC8955043.

U28-S02.

Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Optical Imaging

The In-Vivo Xtreme is a multi-modal optical and X-ray small animal imaging system, designed to combine sensitivity, speed and flexibility for the broadest range of applications for molecular imaging. Equipped with a high performance f/1.3 58mm lens and 4MP back-illuminated CCD camera, the In Vivo Xtreme is suitable for demanding bio-luminescence and fluorescence intravital imaging challenges

Customer benefits

We have SOPs and ISO9001 certification. We also have specialist technicians for the use of the equipment.

This service is essential to:

• Bioimaging of labeled cells/tissues using fluorescence or bioluminescencee
• Monitoring of Drug Delivery and Targeting
• Pharmacodynamic studies
• Imaging and validating new Probes and Biomarkers

Target customer

Any company or research group interested in:

• Phantom-based experimental assessment of labeling strategies
• Real-time bioimaging of labeled cells or pharmacological agents during and immediately after intravenous injection
• Medium-term (1-14 days) biodistribution studies of fluorescently-labeled agents over days or weeks with ex-vivo validation
• Design custom spectral unmixing profiles to reduce autofluorescence or crosstalk between overlapping markers
• Establishment of disease models using commercial molecular imaging reagents
• Close integration with other BIONAND units for associated animal handling and histology services

U28-S01.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a very versatile technique that offers not only excellent morphological information, but also functional and physiological. Furthermore, important advances during last years in the development of highly sensitive contrast agents using nanotechnology approaches have brought MRI into the molecular imaging area. Thus, small animal MRI scanners have become a key tool in the development of magnetic nanoparticles for medical diagnosis and therapy.

Customer benefits

We have SOPs and ISO9001 certification. We also have specialist technicians for the use of the equipment.

This service is essential to:

• Anatomical Studies: tumors, inflammation, Degenerative diseases, etc.
• Functional Studies: brain perfusion, vascular permeability, in vivo metabolic profiling, etc.
• Pharmocokinetics and Biodistribution of new Contrast Agents (or any drug magnetically labeled)
• Monitoring of Drug Delivery and Targeting
• Follow up of Therapy Response

Target customer

Any company or research group interested in:

• Morphological imaging: T1-weighted, T2-weighted, PD, diffusion-weighted, etc.
• T1 and T2 Dynamic Imaging.
• Diffusion Imaging: ADC, DTI.
• Phantom-based relaxivity measurements.
• Cardiac Imaging.
• Single Voxel Spectroscopy.
• Image processing, analysis, and quantification.
• Close integration with other BIONAND units for associated animal handling and histology services.

References

1. Caro C, Guzzi C, Moral-Sánchez I, Urbano-Gámez JD, Beltrán AM, García-Martín ML. Smart Design of ZnFe and ZnFe@Fe Nanoparticles for MRI-Tracked Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy: Challenging Classical Theories of Nanoparticles Growth and Nanomagnetism. Adv Healthc Mater. 2024 Feb 2:e2304044. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202304044. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38303644.
2. Caro C, Avasthi A, Paez-Muñoz JM, Pernia Leal M, García-Martín ML. Passive targeting of high-grade gliomas via the EPR effect: a closed path for metallic nanoparticles? Biomater Sci. 2021 Nov 23;9(23):7984-7995. doi: 10.1039/d1bm01398j. PMID: 34710207.
3. Borrego LG, Recio R, Moreno N, Chelouan A, Álvarez E, Sánchez-Coronilla A, Caro C, Pearson JR, García-Martín ML, Khiar N, Fernández I. Enantioselective synthesis of 4-amino-3,4-dihydrocoumarins and their non-cyclic hydroxyester precursors: Biological evaluation for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Eur J Med Chem. 2022 Dec 5;243:114730. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114730. Epub 2022 Sep 1. PMID: 36088758.
4. Gómez-González E, Núñez NO, Caro C, Garcia-Martín ML, Ocaña M. Carboxylate functionalized NaDy(MoO4)2 nanoparticles with tunable size and shape as high magnetic field MRI contrast agents. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2023 Jan;629(Pt A):310-321. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.08.130. Epub 2022 Aug 24. PMID: 36081210.