Microsystems-Based Imaging Systems 

This National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) aims to address critical needs in biomedical research by providing microsystems based technologies to enable the generation of new scientific knowledge in normal development and disease pathogenesis that are promising for future clinical translation.  Currently, most analysis of biological phenomena is performed on tissues after resection and reflect static events only.  Microsystems technologies will be developed for broad imaging applications whereby the dynamic behavior of cellular interactions can be visualized in context of the natural environment.  These technologies will enable studies on the initiation and progression of disease which can be tracked in real time for investigation in small animals.  Microendoscopes with diameters on the millimeter scale will be developed to perform in vivo imaging in target organs previously unseen.  Computational techniques will be advanced to support quantitative analysis of multi-spectral images to monitor cell behavior.

The P41 Imaging Center is located behind the animal barrier on Level D in the BSRB.  This space consists of 4 dedicated imaging suites (416 sq ft each).  Adjacent modules (220 sq ft each) will be equipped to perform surgical procedures on small animals.  A vivarium will be available to house the animals being used in the Center for longitudinal imaging studies.  The microendoscopy systems, including single axis confocal, multiphoton, and dual axes confocal, will be located in separate suites to allow each instrument to used independently.  The adjacent procedure rooms will not contain any lasers to allow Center users to work with small animals in a safe environment.  The vivarium will be used to house small animals being used for longitudinal experiments.  A computational unit that contains computer workstations and servers to develop operating software and image processing algorithms will be located in the BSRB.