The Bioimaging Facility at the CMCiB provides a multi-model and multidisciplinary approach to preclinical research models and promotes minimally invasive techniques and a reduction in the number of animals used.

The available equipment includes 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, a vasular interventional radiology operating room with surgical C arm, a CAT scanner, and bioluminescence and infra-red equipment. This technology provides the opportunity for researchers to develop innovative research projects in small and large animals at the molecular, microscopic or macroscopic level. 

With the MRI/3T researchers can collect structural and functional data via the acquisition of images of the whole body, in particular the nervous system (brain and spinal medulla), cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), abdominal organs, spinal cord and the musculoskeletal system. In the hemodynamics operating room high resolution vascular studies can be carried out to improve existing therapies or develop new ones. The CAT scanner provides data on the structure of diverse tissues. Infra-red techniques can study the traceability of previously marked molecules and bioluminescence is used to study certain metabolic reactions or processes of genetic transduction.

Globally, the use of these minimally invasive techniques at the CMCiB promote cutting edge biomedical research while reducing the number of animals used, reducing and optimizing experimental times and promoting the reuse of tissue samples for other experiments or translational research.

The CMCiB has a professional multidisciplinary team made up of highly skilled specialists in each area required to exploit this integrated system based on multiple imaging technologies for pre-clinical research.  Specialists include experts in radio-diagnostics and specialist technicians for imaging and medical bioengineering.

The technology offered by the CMCiB also provides opportunities to develop new protocols for advanced imaging for physio-pathological phenomena, or sophisticated post-processing techniques for identifying biomarkers, as tools for the research community. The alliance with Canon Medical means that the latest technological advances are available for application in the bioimaging protocols carried out at the centre.