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Magnetic Particle Imaging (ARA-MBI)

Magnetic Insights MOMENTUM Magnetic Particle Imaging System

A world first in imaging technology

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a new non-invasive imaging method that detects iron oxide nanoparticles to produce 2D and 3D images. MPI imaging is more sensitive and significantly faster than MRI and PET imaging.

Alfred Research Alliance-Monash Biomedical Imaging (ARA-MBI) in Prahran operates the world’s first MPI instrument that is paired with a localised hyperthermia system (HYPER module) and CT scanner. Working synergistically together, these three technologies offer a preclinical theranostic platform that delivers exceptional image quality to detect, and treat, therapeutic targets. The MPI can operate with or without the HYPER module and CT scanner.

The MPI system was funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council with contributions from Monash University and RMIT University.

Benefits of MPI

  • The Magnetic Insight system currently offers the world’s highest sensitivity and resolution of MPI images
  • Simple to operate, eliminating the need for a dedicated scanner operator and allowing researchers to acquire their own data
  • Avoids the radiation burden of PET, and when used without CT removes the x-ray dose

Capabilities

  • Molecular imaging with targeted iron oxide particles
  • Tracking of cells labelled with iron oxide particlesMPI
  • Controlled heating of tissue after iron oxide accumulation

Research applications

  • Quantitative molecular imaging
  • Localised hyperthermia

MPI technical specifications

  • Integrated CT module, allowing the exact localisationMPI
  • of magnetic particles
  • HYPER module, offering millimetre heating accuracy and real-time monitoring of the therapeutic heat dose
  • 0-5.7 T/m (variable) field strength
  • X gradient coil set (two individual main coils) magnet configuration
  • Field of view: 6 cm x 6 cm x 12 cm
  • RF transmit strength: >15 mT in (X,Z)
  • 2 transmit channels (X,Z), 2 receive channels (X,Z)
  • Image sequences: 2D projection, 3D tomographic
  • Animal bed with fiducials for multimodal co-registration

Now operating

Researchers who are interested in accessing the MPI system for their research can email us for more information and booking enquiries.

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