Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory (BRIL)
Who we are
BRIL offers researchers a wide range of preclinical imaging capabilities to allow high-resolution imaging of live animals, clinical samples, fixed specimens and materials. Our staff can support projects from initial planning to data acquisition and analysis. Clinically relevant technologies such as MRI, PET-CT and ultrasound provide maximal clinical relevance, allowing quick bench-to-bedside technology transfer.
The facility is one of the best equipped of its kind in Australia, placing »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ at the forefront of biomedical imaging. The extensive range of technologies and expertise can facilitate multimodal imaging within a single experiment. All instruments are located within a specific pathogen free PC2 animal facility, which allows our capabilities to expand to genetically modified and immunocompromised experimental models.
Funding partners:
Capabilities
Instruments
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The MRI facility at the »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s BRIL is one of the most powerful small-animal MRIs in Australia and is able to provide users with state-of-the-art small animal and sample imaging, and MRI biomarker assessment. As part of the National Imaging Facility the scanner can be accessed by researchers from institutions from all over the country. -
The Si78 is a molecular imaging instrument capable of sequential Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and MicroComputed Tomography (MicroCT) acquisitions. It is designed for rodents (mice and rats) and is capable of high throughput PET-CT imaging (up to 3 mice).
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The VisualSonics Vevo3100 offers touch screen interface, fully digitised image processing and improved signal to noise ratio. It uses solid-state transducers which offer higher resolution at multiple focal depths. The system offers superior resolution down to 30μm, a wide range of frequencies (13-56 MHz) and a large field of view. Importantly, the Vevo3100 offers a comprehensive imaging and processing package.
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The MILabs U-CT installed in 2019 is a cutting-edge preclinical micro-CT scanner which has expanded BRIL's imaging capabilities by allowing larger sample sizes and shorter scan times.
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Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is an emerging molecular imaging modality that measures the location and concentration of superparamagnetic nanoparticle tracers in vivo (typically Iron Oxide, SPIOs) by detecting their response to spatially dependent magnetic fields. In Q1 2020 »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ has installed a Magnetic Insight Momentum pre-clinical MPI scanner as the first facility in Australia to provide this novel technology
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The IVIS® SpectrumCT pre-clinical in vivo imaging system provides a highly sensitive means to image bioluminesence and/or fluorescent reporters in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of transgenic animals or cells expressing luciferase requires the administration of luciferin bioluminescent substrate prior to imaging. In a typical luciferase imaging setting, imaging of the animals takes between 10-20 minutes for each set, however this can increase to 45 minutes depending on the model.
Our people
Fees
The following table provides an indicative estimate of the time required to acquire an image and the number of animals that can be included in an image with each of the systems. Actual times may vary with particular applications.Ìý
BRIL also provides fee for service. For more details please contact us.
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Instrument
Rats/Image
Mice/Image
Acquisition Time
Hourly Rate
Assisted imaging
Commercial*
Bruker 9.4T MRI
1 1 20 minutes - 2 hours $190 included
$950
Si78 PET-CT
1
Up to 3
1 - 2hrs
$175
included
$875
Momentum MPI
NA
1
20mins - 1hr
$120
included
$600
Milabs microCT
1
1
15mins - 1hr
$120
$180
$600
IVIS SpectrumCT
NA
Up to 5
10 - 40mins
$70
$130
$350
Vega Ultrasound
NA
Up to 3
15 - 30mins
$70
$130
$350
Vevo 3100 Ultrasound
1
1
15 - 40minsÌý
$70
$130
$350
EchoMRI
1
1
5mins
$30
$90
$150
Xrad320
NA
11
1 - 10mins
$30
$90
$150
- All fees are subject to CPI increase.
- PleaseÌýcontact BRIL for accurate pricing.
How to access
BRIL is located within the Lowy and Wallace Wurth Animal Facilities both of which maintain a specific pathogen-free (SPF) and PC2 facility status. »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Animal Services entry requirements must be satisfied before accessing BRIL facilities. Information about Animal Services, including the can be found on the (CCI contact the area coordinator).
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Please complete only one form per project.
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Read the Safe Work Procedures and Risk Management Forms for the specific instruments/procedures relevant to your project. Currently, these documents are available to people who have been registered on the ACLS booking system.
From the Node Dashboard, click WHS Documents in the top menu, then BRIL.
Risk Management Form Name Safe Work Procedure Name Working in BRIL Facilities Operation of the X-Rad 320 Biological Irradiator Operation of the IVIS SpectrumCT In Vitro Bioluminescence Assays Using the IVIS SpectrumCT Operation of the BioVet for Respiratory Monitoring
Operation of the Leica M320 Surgical Microscope
Operation of the VisualSonics Vevo 3100 Ultrasound
Operation of the Momentum MPI
Operation of the U-CT (Milabs)
Operation of the EchoMRI
Operation of the EchoMRI
Working in the MRI Suite MRI - In Vivo Imaging Using the Bruker BioSpec 20/94 Avance III
MRI - Magnet Safety and Entry Precautions for the MRI Lab
MRI - Basic Operation Bruker BioSpec 20/94 Avance III
MRI - Handling of Un-fixed Human Tissues
(applicable to any work with anaesthetised animals)
Operation of Isoflurane Inhalation Anaesthetic Systems
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Complete the prerequisite training listed below. See »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ WHS Training  for more information.
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Course Title / Code Applicable to Biological Safety Course / HSEBSCÌý All Lab Safety Awareness / HSELSO All Gene Tech Regulation at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ / HSEGTCÌý All Animal Care and Ethics Course / ACECON Working with live animalsÌý Radiation Level 1 / HSERD1Ìý Working with ionising radiation (irradiation or CT imaging)Ìý Hazardous Substances / HSEHSO Working with hazardous or unknown substancesÌý RDMoT for Researchers / RDM001 (Research Data Management) Recommended for all researchers Ìý
After-hours work:Ìý
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ considers after hours work to be 6pm-8am Mon-Fri, weekends, public holidays and »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ holidays. To access BRIL facilities after hours please read the , then complete the .ÌýWorking with cytotoxic or unknown substances:ÌýÌý
If using cytotoxic or unknown substances provide SWP, RMF and MSDS to cover handling, clean-up and dealing with spills inside BRIL facilities.
Contact us
Biological Resources Imaging LaboratoryÌý
Level 4
Lowy Cancer Research Centre (C25)
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Sydney, NSW 2033
Phone:Ìý(02) 9065 9836
Email:Ìýbril@unsw.edu.au
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Get in touch about your project
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