Magnetic Particle Imaging

Magnetic Insight Momentum

MPI sensitively and specifically detects superparamagnetic iron oxide particles in mice and can be applied to tracking immune cells, cancer metastasis, and targeted nanoparticles, for example. Particles may be injected intravenously or be used to label cells in vitro before they are administered to the mice. The images are positive contrast, with little to no background. 2D or 3D images can be acquired, and are easily co-registered with μCT through the use of a shuttle with dual CT/MPI fiducial markers. A relaxometry module is included for assessing new nanoparticles as MPI agents. Resolution and image quality are highly dependent on the particle used, so new agents are a strong research area.

Detection of transplanted islets in mouse kidney capsule. Islets were labeled with VivoTrax. R) MPI signal was linear with number of islets and agreed with measured iron content. L) Signal was detectable in vivo for over a month. 3D MPI images were co-registered with microCT. Images courtesy Aixia Sun.

Technical Specifications:

Field free line field shape with mechanical field rotation
0-5.7 T/m (variable) field strength
Water-cooled iron core electromagnet
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 peak in (X,Z)
2D projection and 3D tomographic imaging sequences
Animal bed with fiducials for µCT co-registration
RELAX module included for particle characterization
Isoflurane vaporizer