1.  Biospec 70/30 MR scanner (Bruker), field strength 7

The equipment can be used to perform T1 and T2 imaging sequences, dynamic imaging with contrast agent (dynamic contrast enhancement, DCE), contrast enhanced MR, single voxel spectroscopy, diffusion techniques (DTI, DWI), angiography and other imaging and spectroscopy techniques.

Major characteristics of Bruker Biospec:

• B0 field: 7T
• max gradient value: 300mT/m
• detects: 1H, 3He, 13C, 15P, 129Xe
• bore diameter: 310 mm
• free access for imaging: 154 mm

Key equipment:

• 4 head volume coils, one of which is double-tuned 1H/31P  
• 4 surface coils for 1H and 31P, 129Xe, 13C, 3He
• 2 4-element rat brain surface coils (for mice and rat brain imaging)
• Signal gating and monitoring system used during the test to monitor breathing, body temperature, ECG and blood oxygen saturation.

A selection of transmitting and receiving coils: four head volume coils, one of which is double-tuned 1H/31P; four surface coils for 1H and 31P, 129Xe, 13C, 3He; two 4-element rat brain surface coils (for mice and rat brain imaging) allows for a wide range of research possibilities: detection of chemicals other than hydrogen, as well as conducting research on a variety of objects. In our Laboratory we are also capable of creating new receiving coils, closely matched to the required experiment.

2. A well-equipped station for animal preparation and surgical procedures allows for the administrtion of labelled cells, contrast agents etc. Also, during the experiment. The primary equipment includes advanced surgery microscope with a digital camera (Zeiss), computer controlled stereotaxic apparatus, two devices for inhalation anaesthesia (isoflurane vaporizers), stand-alone pulsoximeter for animal monitoring during tests.

The Laboratory can boast well-equipped facilities to support research experiments. The key equipment includes:

• surgery microscope with a camera

• computer controlled stereotaxic apparatus

• two devices for inhalation anaesthesia (isoflurane vaporizers)

• stand-alone pulsoximeter for animal monitoring during tests
  

3. Unique and innovative system of devices and work organisation enables the researcher to conduct experiments at high hygienic standards as well as in conventional conditions.
Our Laboratory is the only one in Poland to be ready to carry out research at high hygienic standards, including research on immunocompromised animals. The room designed for the acclimatisation of animals behind a sanitary barrier is equipped with shelves for individually ventilated cages (IVC) and biosafety cabinets with laminar flow. It is also possible to perform surgical procedures in aseptic conditions. The Laboratory infrastructure is designed to keep both laboratory mice and rats.

Individually ventilated cages system (IVC) 

Biosafety cabinets with laminar flow

Mobile post-operative system IVC