Magnetic Particle Imaging

BRIL Magnetic Insight Momentum Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)

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 new instrument adds capabilities for a wide range of molecular imaging applications to the BRIL research imaging portfolio. With its unique set of features MPI supports tracer applications in murine disease models for medical sciences and biology research as well as to the progress of MPI as a new translational imaging modality.  The technology is used in various research projects with focus on cell tracking, targeted imaging in cancer and neuroscience, angiogenesis/vascularity quantification as well as in the development of MPI tracer technology to leverage the translational potential of the technology. 

Specific capabilities of the BRIL MPI facility: 

  • 3-dimensional tracer imaging in murine disease models with the ability of highly accurate quantification and accurate quantification of magnetic tracers without noise background from tissues  

  • Characterization of MP imaging and relaxation properties of novel tracers for translational research  

  • High tracer sensitivity for molecular imaging applications. MPI offers detection limits down to nano-molar tracer concentrations (depending on tracer performance). - 5-6 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity than CT or MRI.     

  • High 3D spatial resolution of ~1mm without blurring from scattering. 

  • Highly accurate in-vivo quantification of local tracer concentrations (Calibration linearity r=0.99) without scattering or falsification from surrounding tissues. 

  • Simple tracer handling without need of radioactive materials and independent of time restrictions posed by nuclear technologies.