Preclinical hybrid in-vivo real-time imaging system (PHiVRIS) Re-submission

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Although it is well known that imaging studies can greatly improve the scientific outcomes of animal experiments, along with reducing the number of animals needed, such capability is not currently available to the majority of researchers using small animal. In many cases access to imaging systems is limited by the high cost of preclinical imaging equipment. In addition, for researchers studying infectious diseases who have to conduct their research within biosafety cabinets, there are no commercial systems available.This proposal will translate advanced detector technologies designed for space science to develop a unique, low cost compact preclinical imaging system purpose-built for operation inside a standard laminar-flow biosafety cabinet or an isolator unit.Based on an intraoperative gamma camera developed by the University of Leicester, our proposed imaging system will be able to detect gamma radiation, visible and near infrared fluorescence. This will allow images in three modalities to be acquired simultaneously, reducing the amount of time mice will need to be anaesthetised and ensuring exact spatial and temporal registration between the images. The small animal holder will be rotatable up to 60 degrees during imaging to provide multiple viewing angles for imaging and an estimation of source depth below the animals surface. This new system will provide an opportunity to conduct longitudinal imaging studies to a far larger range of researchers. Through collaboration with the Tuberculosis Research Group, University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham the design of this novel imaging system will be guided by end users. This will ensure that the capabilities of the system match the requirements of the small animal researcher. In particular, we will be focussing on the ability to detect and monitor the progression of tuberculosis or other mycobacterial lung infection from an early stage. This highly infectious and debilitating disease will be used as a case study for the prototype system. PHiVRIS will translate advanced detector technologies proven in X-ray astronomy, into a next generation tool for bioimaging, and will offer a new and unique imaging capability that will provide an innovative approach to live, whole body imaging of small animals.to researchers who may not have access to traditional pre-clinical imaging core facilities.