Small Animal Imaging

The Pearl NIR Imager is designed for fluorescence in vivo imaging in the nearinfrared (NIR) spectral region where tissue autofluorescence and light scattering are low.

Animals may be illuminated by a 685 nm and a 785 nm laser for excitation and LED white light for registration and all three images may be overlayed in the display. By permitting deeper penetration, smaller targets can be visualized at greater depths, allowing earlier detection. The imaging bed is temperature controlled to maintain body temperature. The sensitivity is exceptional for small animal receptor and transport targeting, structural and vascular/lymphatic imaging and biodistribution.

We provide the labeling of biomolecules (proteins, peptides, oligomers, nanoparticles, as well as cells) with SPECT radionuclides such as 123I, 125I, 111In, or 99mTc to follow their biodistribution by SPECT (NanoSPECT/CT, Bioscan) imaging in mice, rats or other small animals. Image resolution is about 1 mm.
Biomolecules labeled with PET radionuclides such as 18F, 64Cu, 89Zr, 124I or 68Ga are acquired on the Mosaic PET (Philips) small animal camera. Resolution is about 2 mm.
The CT component of the NanoSPECT provides anatomical registration for SPECT and PET rodent images or is used alone for high resolution radiographs. Bore size is 10 cm.
Isotope selection is based on the biomolecules anticipated clearance, biological properties, isotope half-life, or client preference. Modification with isotope is by standard chemistries.
Animal models include tumor xenografts or orthotopic implants of various cancers. Also available are bacterial and fungal infection models.
Services include: labeling chemistry of biomolecules; animal models; design of image studies; image acquisition and analysis. Ideal for tracking cells/stem cells in vivo. Dual isotope imaging is also possible.
Pricing is per hour and varies with project.
Images are provided along with study analysis.

We provide labeling of biomolecules or cells with fluorescent tags or radioisotopes for in vivo evaluation in small animal models. Services include small animal disease models; tumor xenografts or orthotopic implants of various cancers; bacterial or fungal infections; pharmacokinetics (PK); tissue distribution; targeting and accessibility; therapeutic effect; duration in target or tissue; time in circulation and blood clearance. Ideal for tracking cells/stem cell in vivo.
Chemistry Services include: protein modification/conjugation; peptide modification/conjugation; oligomer (siRNA) modifications/conjugations; protein crosslinking; oligo-peptide crosslinking; protein- peptide immobilization; antibody-drug conjugates (ADC); antibody-HRP conjugations; nanoparticle constructs and conjugations; biotin-streptavidin/ avidin conjugations.
Pricing is per hour and varies with project.

We offer radiolabeling of biomolecules: proteins, peptides, oligomers, nanoparticles, and cells with radionuclides such as 123I, 125I, 111In, 99mTc, 64Cu, 89Zr, or 124I for in vivo or in vitro applications, such as biodistribution and PK studies, or bench top assays. Modification with isotope is by standard chemistries.
Pricing is per hour and varies with project.

We provide bioluminescence and fluorescence longitudinal imaging of rodents. Cameras include IVIS 100 (Caliper Life Sciences) with fluorescence filter set to cover fluorophores with excitation of 445-750 nm and emission of 500-875 nm. The system's light-tight chamber has a heated platform and portals for delivery of gaseous anesthesia to five mice or two rats at a time. Image acquisition takes only about 30 sec providing a high-throughput longitudinal screening; an optimized means to follow disease progression, therapy or pharmacokinetics. Bioluminescence of gene reporters is sensitive to as low as 100 cells.
A second optical camera, the Pearl Imager (Li-Cor), is designed for fluorescence in the near infra-red where tissue auto fluorescence and light scattering are low. The system has laser excitation at 685 nm and 720 nm with emission at 785 nm and 820 nm, also LED white light for registration. The bed is heated to maintain body temperature with animals under anesthesia. System accommodates a single animal and scan times are about 30-60 sec.
Services include: fluorophore conjugation; animal models; design of image studies; image acquisition and analysis.
Pricing is per hour and varies with project.
Images are provided along with requested study analysis.