Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing University of Liverpool

Overview

Within the Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing programme from University of Liverpool  provides expertise and infrastructure for non-invasive imaging in preclinical models. Our preclinical imaging technologies include high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), magnetic particle imaging (MPI), optical imaging, photo-acoustic imaging, ultrasound and a targeted hyperthermia unit. Novel applications of these imaging technologies and contrast mechanisms are constantly being developed that will aid the further development and refinement of regenerative medicine therapies, and facilitate areas such as developmental biology, neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology and cancer.

Research topics:

• Monitoring organ structure and function in health and disease, including the kidney, liver, neuro/central nervous system, and imaging cancer

• Tracking cells labelled with contrast agents such as Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs), for example stem cell tracking

• Development and characterisation of novel contrast agents for increased sensitivity and specificity towards early detection of cancer

• Development of theragnostic agents for treatment of cancer

• Application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess electrical conductivity of body tissues

• Development of novel imaging methods including PET and MRI to assess metabolic changes in a chick embryo model of cancer

• Developing cutting-edge, high-resolution imaging of organoids

• Developing strategies for evaluating the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies

• Utility of diffusion weighted imaging and spectroscopy to assess response to gene therapy, for example for brain tumours and for detection of apoptotic cell death in vivo

• Studying models of memory disorders, schizophrenia and autism.