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MR Solutions Brings New 3D, 1000 X Magnification Imaging Modality to Preclinical Research

MR Solutions
23 Feb 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

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MR Solutions' new 3D in vivo confocal microscope for use in preclinical research provides a magnification range of up to 1000 times, allowing researchers to examine cellular details within a live small animal eliminating the need for a surgical biopsy - saving time and substantially reducing costs.

MR Solutions, the world leader in preclinical scanning, has partnered with Optiscan1 to introduce CellLiveTM, their second generation endomicroscopy platform to the preclinical market. The handheld Optiscan probe which is less than 3.6 mm in diameter delivers micron - smaller than a millionth of a meter - resolution. The Optiscan uses a fluorescence2, confocal3 imaging system to achieve this extraordinary level of detail imaging.

This new scanning technique will be particularly valuable to researchers tackling the complexities of translational medicine - taking science to the bedside - and drug development in diverse areas; including cancer, tissue engineering, inflammation, vascular disease and neuroscience. While conventional fluorescence microscopy enjoys widespread use in all of these applications, CellLIVE can be used where bench microscopes are too cumbersome - taking the microscope to the tissue.

For example, in regenerative medicine research, it is possible with CellLIVE to track the migration of stem cells and cellular interactions during implantation. In cancer research, it is possible to track the cellular interactions of candidate therapeutic interaction. And, in the study of inflammation, the migration of inflammatory cells in living systems can be directly observed.

In 2012, MR Solutions was the first company to develop a commercial preclinical scanner which could dispense with the usual liquid helium cooling system in their new bench top MRI systems. This was achieved using a revolutionary magnet design incorporating new superconducting wire enabling the use of a standard low temperature fridge to cool the magnet to the required 4 degrees Kelvin (minus 269 degrees C). The company developed a commercial cryogen free 3T range of preclinical bench top MRI scanners in 2012, followed by the more powerful 7T range in 2014 and a 4.7T model in 2015.

MR Solutions is continually adding further capabilities to its imaging solutions and the introduction of CellLiveTM brings new uses for existing technologies.

Dr David Taylor, CEO, of MR Solutions explained his philosophy, "Researchers don't want to put in old technology and have to live with that for years to come. They want the new cutting edge technologies which offer better results, take up less space and usually cost a lot less. We are dedicated to providing the most advanced capabilities in preclinical scanning. This includes MRI where we lead the world, and through partnership to offer optical solutions. This new technology from Optiscan fits in with our range of scanners - powerful but accessible."

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.In Vivo Imaging Systems<i>In vivo</i> imaging systems, including pre-clinical imaging systems and medical imaging systems are used to non-invasively visualize and capture images of live animals and plants. Monitor the natural processes or diseases of your subjects using small-animal pre-clinical imaging systems, including single photon positron emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (micro-CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray radiography, ultrasound, fluorescence and bioluminescence imagers. Multimodal systems and software solutions are also available for correlative analysis of organ, tissue, cell, or molecular-level processes. Find the best in vivo imaging products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Light MicroscopyLight microscopes or optical microscopes are used to visualize microscale objects under magnification, including cells, clinical specimens and materials. Lab equipment for light microscopy includes confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, zoom and stereo microscopes. Microscope slides and imaging reagents are available for visualizing samples, as well as various microscope stages and incubators for large or temperature-sensitive samples. Find the best light microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Animal ModelsThe use of non-human animals in experiments or behavorial observations. The research is conducted inside universities, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, farms, defence establishments, and commercial facilities that provide animal-testing services to industry. It includes pure research such as genetics, developmental biology, behavioral studies, as well as applied research such as pharmaceutical testing in pre-clinical, before human, studies. Drug DeliveryDrug Delivery refers to dosage form, route of administration, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting a pharmaceutical compound in the body as needed to safely achieve its desired therapeutic effect. Drug delivery is often approached via the biopharmaceutical or small molecule drug's formulation, but it may also involve medical devices or drug-device combination products. Considerations include instrumentation, software and services. Cancer CellsCancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors and the spread of cancer. Studying cancer cells is crucial for developing new treatments and understanding tumor biology. Explore cancer cell research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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MR Solutions Brings New 3D, 1000 X Magnification Imaging Modality to Preclinical Research