Radboudumc Technology Center Preclinical imaging

Our expertises

We operate with a multidisciplinary team with deep expertise in imaging science, animal research and translational therapies.

• Multimodal imaging technologies

  Extensive experience with MRI, PET/CT, SPECT/CT, ultrasound, optical imaging, and multiphoton microscopy.

• Radiotherapy and image-guided interventions

  Expertise in preclinical radiotherapy applications, including treatment planning and combination therapy studies.

• Radiotracer development and radiochemistry

  Design, synthesis, and application of novel agents for molecular and functional imaging, including radionuclide and fluorescent imaging, radionuclide and photodynamic therapy, and dosimetry.

• Neuroscience/neurology and behavioral research

  Integration of imaging with cognitive and behavioral assessments in small animal models.

• Image processing and quantitative analysis

  Advanced pipelines for image registration, segmentation, quantification, and multimodal data fusion.

• Protocol development and translational design

  Bridging preclinical and clinical research through harmonized imaging protocols and shared infrastructure.

• Collaborative research and open access

  Active participation in national and international networks, including Euro-BioImaging, with a strong track record in collaborative projects.

Our services

We provide cutting-edge technology for imaging-related preclinical research and support both academic and industrial partners.

• Imaging consultancy

  Strategic advice on study design, modality selection, and translational relevance.

• Research projects and contract research

  Collaborative and commissioned studies using advanced imaging platforms.

• Preclinical experiments on small animal models

  Longitudinal and multimodal imaging in mice and rats, including behavioral assessments.

• Protocol development

  Tailored imaging protocols for specific biological questions and disease models.

• Imaging acquisition and analysis

  Access to a broad range of imaging modalities:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI, large bore 7T system (mouse / rat)  with in-bore ablation with focused ultrasound or cryo-ablation, small bore 11.7T system (mouse) with cryoprobe)
  • Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography / CT (SPECT/CT)
  • High-Frequency Ultrasound (US)
  • Bioluminescence and fluorescence Imaging
  • Multiphoton microscopy, including 3- and 4-photon microscopy
  • Intrinsic optical imaging

• Ex vivo and postmortem imaging

  Specialized imaging of ex vivo/postmortem organs and tissues, of both humans and animals for high-resolution anatomical and molecular analysis.

• External Beam Radiotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy

  Facilities and equipment for image-guided precision radiotherapy and combination therapy research.

   

   

• Targeted radionuclide imaging and therapy

  Facilities for radiolabeling and in vitro/in vivo testing of different types of radiopharmaceuticals (including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, nanoparticles, and others). In vitro assays include 2D/3D cell binding assays. In vivo studies include ex vivo biodstribution studies, PET and/or SPECT/CT imaging, and therapy studies (including combination therapies). 

• Photodynamic therapy

  Facilities and equipment for (targeted) photodynamic therapy studies.

• Behavioral and cognitive assessments

  Facilities for evaluating learning, memory, motor function, and social behavior.

• Training and education

  Courses and hands-on training in imaging techniques, data analysis, and animal handling.

• Access via Euro-BioImaging

  Streamlined onboarding for external users through the European infrastructure.

Infrastructure

The Radboud Technology Center Preclinical Imaging (operating as PRIME) is located in the lower level of the RTC Animal Research Facility at Radboudumc. It offers a purpose-built environment for small animal imaging and behavioral research, designed to support high-quality, reproducible, and translational studies.

• Imaging platforms

  PRIME provides access to a broad range of imaging modalities, including:

  • MRI: anatomical, functional and metabolic imaging
  • PET/CT: molecular and metabolic imaging
  • SPECT/CT: molecular imaging of disease processes and quantitative imaging therapeutic radionuclides
  • High-frequency ultrasound (US): vascular and soft tissue imaging
  • Bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging: cellular and molecular tracking
  • Photoacoustic imaging: hybrid optical-acoustic imaging
  • Multiphoton microscopy: deep tissue and neurovascular imaging
  • Intrinsic optical imaging: functional brain imaging

  These modalities support longitudinal, multimodal studies across various biological systems and disease models.

• Radiotherapy suite

  PRIME includes a dedicated setup for preclinical radiation therapy, including image-guided precision external beam radiotherapy as well as targeted radionuclide therapy and combination therapy research. Therapeutic efficacy and safety is monitored by measuring body weight, general well-being of the animals, tumor growth and survival. Additionally, experimental specific endpoints can be included (e.g. imaging biomarkers, ex vivo analysis of tissues).

• Behavior and cognition facility

  In PRIME, behavioral and cognitive testing in small animals using advanced automated systems are available in two behavioral/cognitive rooms. It enables the study of (social) behavior, cognition, sensory-motor integration, and physiological parameters in relation to brain imaging outcomes such as metabolism, blood flow, and connectivity.

  Key equipment includes:

  • EthoVision XT®: for video tracking and automated analysis in mazes (e.g., Morris Water Maze, Barnes Maze, Open Field).
  • Phenotyper Systems: for 24-hour observation in homecages, including modules for automatic behavior recognition.
  • Digital Ventilated Cages (Tecniplast): for continuous monitoring of activity, movement patterns, and homecage behavior.
  • Noldus Lickometer, Mouse Feeding Monitor, and PhenoWheels: for precise tracking of feeding, drinking, and running activity.
  • Rotarods, Grip Strength Meters, Pole Test, Tail Cuff Plethysmography, and SR-LAB Startle Response System: for motor coordination, cardiovascular, and sensorimotor assessments.
  • Laser Doppler systems (moorVMS-LDF): for measuring cerebral blood flow, particularly in stroke and vascular research models.

  This facility enables longitudinal studies across various mouse models, supporting research into neural development, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and lifestyle or pharmacological interventions.

• Animal handling and monitoring

  • SPF and DMII housing for transgenic and immunocompromised models.
  • Anesthesia and physiological monitoring systems for safe and reproducible imaging.
  • Support for viral vector studies (adeno-, retro-, and lenti-).

• Data infrastructure

  • High-performance workstations for image processing and analysis.
  • Secure data storage and anonymization tools.
  • Custom pipelines for multimodal data integration.

Collaborations

The Radboud Technology Center Preclinical Imaging actively collaborate with academic institutions, clinical departments, and industry across Europe and beyond. Our infrastructure, operated under the name PRIME, supports a wide range of translational research projects.

More than 30% of the studies conducted within the center involve external collaborators, reflecting its commitment to open-access science and interdisciplinary innovation. As part of the Molecular Imaging Dutch Node of Euro-BioImaging, the RTC offers structured access to facilities for researchers across Europe.

Collaboration opportunities include:

• Joint research proposals and consortia;
• Contract research and service agreements;
• Shared use of imaging and behavioral platforms;
• Co-development of imaging protocols and analysis pipelines.

Researchers can apply for access via the Euro-BioImaging portal, or contact the RTC directly to discuss project ideas and feasibility.