Infrastructure
The Werner Siemens Imaging Center (Head: Prof. Dr. Bernd Pichler) integrates biomedical research with a focus on small animal imaging and translational medicine. The center also specializes in the development of innovative multi-modal imaging techniques for small animals and clinical applications. The lab is equipped with three high-resolution small animal PET/CT scanners (Mediso), three PET scanners (Siemens), and a whole-body optical imaging system (PerkinElmer).
In addition, there are two small animal 7T MRI systems (Bruker) available. Both systems are equipped with whole-body coils for rats and mice, as well as dedicated brain coils to ensure precise signal detection. These systems enable high-resolution fMRI and contrast-enhanced MR imaging in mice and rats. One of the scanners also includes a PET insert for simultaneous PET and MR imaging. This development was completed in 2011 in close collaboration with Bruker Biospin MRI. To expand our range of modern imaging modalities, the lab is also equipped with a Hyperpolarizer (GE-Healthcare) system.
Furthermore, the facility houses a state-of-the-art lightsheet microscope (Miltenyi), an advanced intravital multiphoton microscope (Miltenyi), and a live-cell epifluorescence microscope (Leica).
The lab also features a cutting-edge cell culture facility, including laminar flow hoods and incubators, a gamma counter, a phosphor imager, as well as histology and PCR labs, including a cryostat. Additionally, there is a dedicated microscopy lab. Prof. Dr. Pichler also oversees the Radiopharmacy group, granting full access to both clinical and newly established PET radiotracers. The laboratory is equipped with ten high-performance computer workstations, loaded with specialized software such as Inveon Research Workplace, PMOD®, Paravision, and commercial software packages like Matlab and simulation tools.
