Instruments

The MRI facility at the UNSW’s BRIL is one of the most powerful small-animal MRIs in Australia and is able to provide users with state-of-the-art small animal and sample imaging, and MRI biomarker assessment. As part of the National Imaging Facility the scanner can be accessed by researchers from institutions from all over the country.

The EchoMRI-900 uses the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to 
measure the fat, lean, free water and total water mass of a mouse or rat.

The Faxitron MX-20 is a self contained bench-top x-ray cabinet which produces digital 2D images in DICOM file format. It has 5 magnification levels and laser guide for sample alignment.

The Inveon μCT uses multiple axial x-rays of the animal to generate cross-sectional information or 3-dimensional reconstructions of the animal or parts of the animal. The μPET uses an LSO detector for fast scintillation decay time, high light output and effective atomic number.

Optoacoustic or photoacoustic imaging is a new, cutting-edge imaging technique which detects ultrasound waves following light absorption from specific molecules.  This technique allows molecules with different spectral profile to be detected.

The IVIS Lumina provides a highly sensitive means to image fluorescent and/or bioluminescent reporters in vivo and in vitro. The IVIS SpectrumCT expands upon optical imaging capabilities as well as providing a microCT capability for anatomical referencing.

The MILabs U-CT installed in 2019 is a cutting-edge preclinical micro-CT scanner which has expanded BRIL's imaging capabilities by allowing larger sample sizes and shorter scan times.

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is an emerging molecular imaging modality that measures the location and concentration of superparamagnetic nanoparticle tracers in vivo (typically Iron Oxide, SPIOs) by detecting their response to spatially dependent magnetic fields. In Q1 2020 UNSW has installed a Magnetic Insight Momentum pre-clinical MPI scanner as the first facility in Australia to provide this novel technology.

The Muromachi microwave fixation system offers an effective way to inactivate these enzymes in the intact specimen.

The X-Rad 320 is a self contained biological irradiator for in vivo and in vitro applications.

The VisualSonics Vevo3100 uses the new solid-state transducers which offer higher resolution at multiple focal depths. The system offers superior resolution down to 30μm, a wide range of frequencies (13-56 MHz) and a large field of view. Importantly, the Vevo3100 offers a comprehensive imaging and processing packing.