Department of Nuclear Medicine operates a high resolution positron emission tomography scanner for preclinical imaging [microPET Focus 120 ®]. MicroPET is an in vivo, quantitative, molecular imaging modality for small animal models of human diseases. It is useful in a wide spectrum of biomedical research ranging from basic insights into the normal biology to molecular targeting of tumors or specific disease processes. Using radiolabeled biomolecules, It allows serial and longitudinal imaging to be conducted in the same animal, thus providing the researchers with the unique opportunity to follow a single animal over time and to monitor the effects of interventions on disease progression and outcome. MicroPET is particularly valuable for studying genetically modified animals that exhibit high variability or are unique.  We welcome the researchers at UB and its affiliated institutes to use this state-of-the-art research tool in their research. Department provides necessary expertise and support for any collaborative research involving the microPET. Department operates a cyclotron, a radiochemistry laboratory, a radiopharmacy and an imaging physics division to support the microPET research. In addition to short-lived tracers, like F-18 and C-11, long-lived positron emitter, I-124 (half-life: 4.2 days), is also available to develop novel molecular imaging probes with longer biological half-lives or to study biological processes  for a prolonged period of time. Some of our ongoing microPET projects include targeting tumors with antibody and nanoparticles, imaging tumor hypoxia and response to novel therapies, evaluation of bifunctional compounds for PET imaging and photodynamic therapy, and functional imaging of the brain.   

microPET Specifications

MICROPET FOCUS 120 ®

Manufacturer: Siemens Medical System
Location: Lab Animal Facility, BEB , South Campus
Detector material: Lutetium oxyortho-silicate (LSO)
Number of detectors: 96
Axial field of view: 7.6 cm
Resolution at the center of FOV: <1.3 mm
Volumetric resolution at the center of FOV: 2.5 µL
Timing resolution: 3 nsec, Peak NEC: 580 kcps
Animals suitable for imaging: mouse, rat, rabbit, chinchilla

Contact Persons for MicroPET Research