Preclinical MRI Center
(INSPIRE Platform)
The Preclinical MRI Centre is part of the INSPIRE Platform (Senate Decision no. 19.20.02.2023), subordinated to the UBB Rectorate, under the scientific-administrative coordination of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nanosciences (Senate Decision no. 6/15.01.2024, UBB Rector Decision no. 910/22.01.2024).
Director:
Prof. Dr. Radu Fechete
Members:
Prof. dr. Simon Simion,
Conf. dr. Kelemen Beatrice,
Lect. dr. Moț Augustin,
Lect. dr. Toma Vlad,
Lect. dr. Dobre Camelia,
Lect. dr. Stoica Anca,
CS III dr. Fărcășanu Alexandru,
CS III dr. Chiriac Liviu,
CS III dr. Frențiu Bogdan,
CS dr. Petrișor Dina,
CS III dr. Pop-Mureșan Marieta,
CS III dr. Ichim Ana-Maria.
Research topic, current CDI directions
- Exploitation of high-field localized nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, relaxometry and spectroscopy for preclinical (in vivo/ex vivo) development studies of advanced topically applied pharmaceuticals for the treatment or prophylaxis of ocular diseases and bone regeneration of iron and/or Dysprosium-based contrast agents, plant, animal and human biological tissues
- Exploration of high-field localized nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, relaxometry, scatterometry and spectroscopy for preclinical research studies of the development of various types of tumours in animal models and the effects of organ fixation in formaldehyde
- Evaluation by imaging, relaxometry, localized spectroscopy and scatterometry of cross-linked hydrogels by the action of UV radiation with applications in tissue engineering used in regenerative medicine – cooperation with DWI, RWTH – University, Aachen, Germany.
- Use of Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy and magnetization to investigate the involvement of free radicals in oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, to study oxygen concentration, the role of free radicals and to examine the dynamics of paramagnetic metal ions (e.g. copper, iron) in brain tissues, and to evaluate drug delivery systems targeting the brain using paramagnetic nanoparticles
Laboratories:
- Preclinical MRI Imaging Laboratory, coordinated by CS III Dr Alexandru Fărcășanu.
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory EPR, coordinated by CS III Dr. Dina Petrișor
- Electromagnetic Field and Life Laboratory, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Simion Simon
- Preclinical MRI InVivo Validation Laboratory, coordinated by CS III Dr. Liviu Chiriac
- Brain-Computer Interface and RM Instrumentation Laboratory, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ioan Burda
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Physiology and Conectomics of the Central Nervous System, coordinated by Conf. Dr. Beatrice Kelemen
- Biobasis Laboratory for Preclinical Research, coordinated by CS III Dr. Ana -Maria Ichim
Equipment:
The equipment available to the Preclinical MRI Centre for the planned experimental research are that acquired through Inspire Project Project :
- Bruker-type 11.7 T preclinical MRI scanner
- Preclinical EPR scanner,
- Previously existing equipment in the laboratories involved.
Access to these facilities for potentially interested researchers from outside the Centre is on the basis of projects presented and endorsed at the Centre’s scientific seminars, with the establishment of scientific and financial obligations, depending on the time of use and consumables used, projects subsequently approved by the ICIBNS Scientific Council.
Contact:
stefan.farcasanu@gmail.com (MRI)
dina.petrisor@ubbcluj.ro (EPR)
