RESEARCH TOOLS
The NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group aims to enhance the implementation of nanomedicine in preclinical research activities conducted at KU Leuven and beyond. As part of the MoSAIC Center, we also function as a service center for optical imaging in preclinical animal models. Please find below a short overview of the different technologies and expertise available in the group.
Studying bio-nano interactions using advanced high content imaging methods to understand how particular nanoparticle parameters can affect their biological effect.
Fluorescence or bioluminescence imaging in small animal models. Bioluminescence is ideally suited to study growth of particular cells of interest in the same animal over longer time periods. For fluorescence imaging, the wide range of commonly available fluorescent probes enable an easy translation from cellular to animal related work.
The IVIS Spectrum system is sensitive, fast (up to 5 animals together), and allows quantitative analysis for robust statistics. Animal housing in IVC cages further enables the use of immunodeficient animal models.
Image-based flow cytometry for visual confirmation of obtained data and control over gating accuracy. Multiple objectives and dark field illumination to enable the visualization of small compounds (exosomes, nano-materials). Spatial information is provided for every cell investigated. A robust and fast system, ideally suited for complex samples containing heterogeneous cell populations. The integrated fluidics further enables the use of low sample volumes, rendering it possible to visualize rare cell types (circulating cancer cells in blood) or rare cellular events (e.g. nuclear translocation of signaling factors).