Animal Facilities

BSL-2 Small Animal Research Facility

In partnership with the Laboratory Animal Resources and Research (LARR) facility, the Biophotonics Group maintains a dedicated small animal research space designed to support comprehensive preclinical studies. With a strong emphasis on translational science, our facility enables cutting-edge research in oncology, infectious disease, nanomedicine, and light-based therapeutic development.

Housing Rooms

To maintain strict biosecurity and study integrity, the facility includes two separate housing rooms:

- One room for animals involved in infectious disease models
- One room for non-infectious studies

This separation ensures the health of our animal populations and the reliability of experimental outcomes.

Animal Imaging Suite

The Animal Imaging Suite is designed for non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic response in small animal models. The room is equipped with advanced systems for whole-body fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, allowing researchers to track drug distribution, visualize tumor activity, and assess treatment efficacy over time within the same animal. Complementing this, a high-frequency ultrasound system provides high-resolution 3D imaging, Doppler capabilities, and precise tumor volume measurements, enabling real-time evaluation of vascular changes and therapeutic outcomes. Together, these imaging modalities support dynamic, multi-parametric analysis in a controlled environment, enhancing the translational impact of preclinical studies.

In Vivo Fluorescence & Bioluminescence Imaging System
Kino, Spectral Instruments Imaging
Facilitates whole-body, non-invasive imaging to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy over time within the same animal, enhancing data consistency and reducing animal use

High-Frequency Ultrasound System
Vevo F2, Fujifilm VisualSonics
Enables high-resolution 3D imaging for precise tumor volume quantification and real-time assessment of therapeutic response. Elastography for tissue density quantification.

Procedure Rooms

We offer three fully equipped procedure rooms tailored for survival surgeries and experimental procedures:

- Two rooms are designated for non-infectious disease research.
- One room is dedicated exclusively to infectious disease studies, featuring enhanced containment measures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure biosafety.

Each procedure room includes:
- Inhalation anesthesia systems
- Biosafety cabinets
- Laser devices for phototherapy and light-activated drug delivery
- Hand-held fluorescence imaging devices for intraoperative and diagnostic use
- Stereotaxic holders for precise neurosurgical procedures
- Endotracheal mouse intubation kits for controlled ventilation
- Dedicated surgical fields with magnification and lighting for enhanced precision and visibility

Large Animal Facility

In partnership with the Vet Park, the Biophotonics Group maintains a dedicated large animal research space designed to support both survival and non-survival procedures in pigs and sheep. This facility enables translational studies that bridge preclinical research with clinical relevance, particularly in the development and evaluation of light-based therapies and biomedical technologies.

Capabilities & Equipment
- Dedicated surgical suites for large animal procedures
- Support for both acute and chronic studies, including longitudinal monitoring
- On-site X-ray imaging system for diagnostic and procedural guidance
- Infrastructure tailored for phototherapy and device testing in large animal models

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