At Austrian BioImaging, we provide expert consultation to help you identify the most effective imaging modalities for your scientific goals. If you are unsure which technology—from super-resolution microscopy to preclinical MRI—is best suited for your project, our team is here to guide you. As the national node for the Euro-BioImaging community, we also connect you with a global network of specialists and cutting-edge infrastructures and available funding opportunities.
STED
Description The Leica STELLARIS 8 STED FALCON is a high‑end confocal platform combining stimulated emission depletion (STED) super‑resolution with fast fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) via FALCON electronics. The system features tunable white‑light laser excitation, advanced HyD S and X detectors for high sensitivity, low noise, and speed, and TauSense tools...
SLIDE SCANNING
Description The Evident Slideview VS200 is a high‑throughput whole‑slide imaging system for brightfield and fluorescence. It automates slide loading, barcode tracking, tissue detection, and rapid scanning to produce high‑quality, stitched images of entire specimens. Multiple objective options (4X, 20X, 40X, 50X, and 60X oil) support a wide range of resolutions,...
IMAGING RADIOTRACERS
Description Imaging Radiotracers provide ready-to-use radiolabelled molecules for PET and/or SPECT diagnostics. It comprises radionuclide production (cyclotron, generators), medicinal radiochemistry (automation, µ-fluidics), quality control as well as documentation thereof. - Medical Cyclotron (16.5MeV protons; GE Healthcare) - 4 Hot Cells (von-Gahlen & Comecer) – 2 of them with laminar...
SINGLE MOLECULE LOCALIZATION MICROSCOPY (SMLM)
Description The phenomenon of diffraction has long been thought to set an inevitable physical limit to resolution of light microscopy. According to Abbe’s diffraction limit approximation, structures smaller than half the wavelength of light cannot be resolved. The last decades however, have seen developments in fluorescence microscopy that enable to study cellular structures on the nanometer...
PHOTOACTIVATED LOCALIZATION MICROSCOPY
Description PALM (Photoactivated Localization Microscopy) and STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy) are advanced techniques used in fluorescence microscopy. Although, they share a common fundamental principle, they differ in several technical details. Both methods utilize light to switch fluorescence on and off in individual molecules, allowing for the capture of multiple...
ATOMIC FORCE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (AFSEM)
Description The AFSEM is an add-on for field emission SEM (scanning electron microscopy) or dual-beam FIB (focused ion beam) that enables topographic characterization, imaging, and chemical analysis without removing the sample from the SEM. This technique can investigate a maximum size of 30 x 30 µm2 in a single measurement....
OPTICAL COHERENCE MICROSCOPY (OCM)
Description OCM offers numerous advantages over other imaging techniques. It enables the imaging of live tissues in real-time without the need for fixation or staining, making it non-invasive and ideal for longitudinal studies of disease progression. OCM's inherent combination with Photoacoustic Microscopy yields exceptional live imaging results in 3D. Application...
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Description The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) generates images that resemble three-dimensional structures. Like TEM, it uses electrons to generate an image, but it scans through the surface of the material, generating secondary electrons that are then detected by a sensor (from cells to whole organisms can be scanned). SEM provides...
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (TEM)
Description Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is an imaging tool that relies on the physical principles of electrons to shape and form an electron beam using electromagnetic lenses within a vacuum. This technique achieves nanometer resolution on well-prepared biological specimens. Sample preparation involves fixation and staining. In contrast, cryo-TEM rapidly freezes...
X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)
Description Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging technique that produces 3D images of internal structures in animals using X-rays. Its high resolution makes it a valuable tool for studying diseases and treatments, and its ability to noninvasively image internal structures allows for longitudinal studies. Our CT's can scan...
WIDEFIELD MICROSCOPY
Description In widefield fluorescence microscopy, the entire field of view is illuminated by various light sources, including white light or specific wavelengths. We have various microscopes available at different facilities to suit every need for widefield fluorescent microscopy. A particular widefield fluorescence microscopy combined with brightfield microscopy application, namely, tissue...
LIGHT SHEET MICROSCOPY
Description Our cutting-edge fluorescence-based techniques enable high-resolution imaging of thick tissues, including Light Sheet Microscopy. Light Sheet Microscopy is a 3D imaging technique with high spatio-temporal resolution. By illuminating the sample with a thin sheet of light perpendicular to the imaging axis, researchers can quickly, non-destructive and accurately image relatively...
STEREO MICROSCOPY
Description We provide fully automated stereo microscopy for specialized applications. Compared to conventional microscopes, stereo microscopy has a higher depth of field due to two separate light paths inside the microscope. Our system is also equipped with automated image stacking capabilities and an additional feature for fluorescence imaging, making it...
HIGH RESOLUTION EPISCOPIC MICROSCOPY (HREM)
Description HREM is a destructive post mortem imaging method. It produces digital volume data with image quality similar to histological sections. Routines for larger and smaller sizes are established, up to a maximum size of 10x10x15 mm. The data are virtual stacks of single images produced during physical sectioning of...
HARD TISSUE – HISTOLOGY
Description Hard tissue samples, such as teeth and bones, require specialized preparation techniques for histological analysis. In our facility, bone and teeth are cut by experts with a diamond saw and subsequently grinded down to a certain thickness for histological staining and imaging. Combined with CT and 3D imaging software...
MULTIPHOTON MICROSCOPY
Description Multiphoton microscopy is an advanced biological imaging tool that enables high spatial resolution and deep tissue penetration. It is particularly useful for the study of live cells and tissues, minimizing photodamage and providing excellent contrast and signal-to-noise ratios. This technique can visualize a wide range of biological structures and...
MICRO-MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
Description Our facility offers a variety of MRI systems that can be used independently or in combination with other imaging techniques for optimal results. Our MRI system enables multiparametric functional imaging of small animals, ranging from mice to small piglets. With the addition of a PET-Insert, simultaneous PET/MRI measurements can...
MICROSCOPIC X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (micro-CT)
Description Microscopic X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) is an advanced imaging technique that generates high-resolution 3D images of small biological samples ranging in size from 0.5 mm to several centimetres, including tissue biopsies and bones. Compared to conventional CT scans, micro-CT is capable of producing images with much finer details using...
IN VIVO OPTICAL IMAGING
Description The IVIS Spectrum System is a highly sensitive, in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging tool that allows for functional imaging. It utilizes epi-illumination and transillumination to enable detection of signals in deeper layers. An integrated anesthesia unit for small rodents (mice, rats) allows the simultaneous detection of up to...
IMAGE VISUALISATION
Description Our resources enable researchers to fully explore their images, making it easier to draw conclusions and advance their studies. Whether you are working with microscopic or macroscopic images of larger animals, our network has the tools you need to get the most out of your preclinical imaging. Different software...
PROJECT CONSULTING
Description We offer expert guidance and support to researchers using correlative multimodal imaging techniques in their studies. Our team of experienced professionals can help you design and implement the most effective imaging protocols, ensuring that you obtain the highest quality data possible. Our support ranges from data acquisition to analysis,...
CONFOCAL BRILLOUIN LIGHT SCATTERING MICROSCOPY & SPECTROSCOPY
Description The researchers in our team specialize in developing novel optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to elucidate the microscopic-scale mechanical, structural, and dynamic properties of biological matter. These techniques provide insight into the anatomical relevance, functional relevance, and medical relevance of biological structures, such as their role in development, locomotion,...
TIME RESOLVED SPECTROSCOPY
Description Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy is a powerful technique for studying single molecule interactions. It allows for high-resolution imaging of single molecule localizations and diffusion, particularly on biomembranes. Our facilities also offer fluorescence lifetime mapping and fluorescence anisotropy imaging to provide more information about the dynamics and interactions of molecules. Time...
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM)
Description Conventional far-field infrared microscopes have limitations in spatial resolution due to the diffraction limit, which restricts the analysis of small objects like intracellular structures, crystals, interfaces, and proteins. To overcome this limitation, a technique called AFM-IR was developed by combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). This...
SCANNING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (STEM)
Description The Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) rasters a focused incident probe across a specimen that (as with the TEM) has been thinned to facilitate detection of electrons scattered through the specimen. The high resolution of the TEM is thus possible in STEM. STEM enables the simultaneous imaging and...
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE IMAGING (XRF)
Description Micro-XRF is a technique that utilizes X-ray radiation to analyze the distribution of major and minor trace elements in a sample with high spatial resolution. This technique involves directing an X-ray beam onto a small spot on the sample surface, which only irradiates a small portion of the sample....
ANIMAL HOUSING (mouse, rat, rabbit, pig)
Description Our animal facilities support a wide range of research studies, including the use of mouse model systems and larger animals such as rats, rabbits and pigs. Professional animal handling and care are ensured by animal caretakers. We offer a variety of gene lines for preclinical imaging and biological questions....
IMAGE ANALYSIS
Description We provide access to the leading research company in the field of Visual Computing. Research is focused on highly efficient methods for biomedical image analysis for biomedical experts and life scientists. Dependent on the task, many different software solutions are available. - Image processing / noise reduction - Image...
AI & MACHINE LEARNING
Description At Austrian BioImaging, AI/machine learning and deep learning are integrated into various imaging techniques to enhance their efficiency and accuracy. These advanced workflows have been developed and optimized to be user-friendly and readily accessible to both internal and external users at the facility, facilitating the translation of cutting-edge imaging...
PHOTOACOUSTIC MICROSCOPY (PAM)
Description Photoacoustic imaging, is an innovative imaging method that utilizes light to stimulate the sample, while detecting the light-induced acoustic waves to create a 3D absorption map. Its unique ability to visualize vasculature imaging is due to the absorption of haemoglobin, and PAM also excels in deep tissue imaging with...
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT and OCTA)
Description Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light to create high-resolution images of biological tissues by detecting back-scattered light and using an interferometer to reconstruct the images based on refractive indices. It is particularly effective for imaging semi-transparent or transparent layered structural imaging. OCT has...
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY & NONLINEAR OPTICAL IMAGING
Description Raman imaging/spectroscopy (RS) is based on the inelastic light scattering between a photon and a molecule, which excites molecular vibrations and provides molecular fingerprint information of the sample. While RS is a powerful technique in detecting molecular-level differences, it lacks structural information. Combining RS with a technique that can...
PLANT PHENOTYPING
Description To achieve objective, reproducible, and high-throughput assessment of plant phenotypic traits, we operate numerous phenotyping instruments for Arabidopsis and crop plants, including a 'roots and shoots' system. For subsequent image analysis, we use classical image analysis approaches, as well as state-of-the-art deep learning pipelines. We offer a complete high-throughput...
TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION MICROSCOPY (TIRF)
Description Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRF) is a cutting-edge special application in confocal microscopy, for biological and preclinical research. TIRF allows for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging of live cells, providing novel insights into cellular biology and disease processes. TIRF microscopy can track single molecules with self-built experimental setups or standardized TIRF...
HYBRID IMAGING CONSULTING
Description Hybrid Imaging Consulting offers specialized services for optimal utilization of imaging technology in preclinical studies, specifically molecular and hybrid imaging, improving research accuracy and advancing drug development. Resources - Access to clinical hybrid imaging modalities (upon approval by Rad/Nuc) - Access to pre-clinical hybrid imaging modalities (dito,...
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
Description Preclinical MRI is a highly versatile and non-invasive imaging technique that enables researchers to study internal organs, bones, and soft tissues in animal models. With its ability to provide high-resolution images of anatomical structures and functions, preclinical MRI is an invaluable tool for investigating a wide range of medical...
POSITRON EMSSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET)
Description PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) are a powerful imaging techniques that use a weakly radioactive substance (radiotracer) to map biochemical and physiological functions in living organisms. Radiotracers are radiolabeled molecules used in PET and/or SPECT diagnostic imaging, and the production process involves cyclotrons...
ULTRASOUND IMAGING (US)
Description The Vevo2100 imaging platform (VisualSonics, Toronta, Canada) provides high-resolution ultrasound (US) imaging of small animals (e.g. mouse, rat, zebrafish). This real-live imaging method is perfectly suited for functional imaging (e.g. cardiac imaging), oncologic imaging or image-guided interventions. Particularly, the wide spectrum of targeted contrast agents allows ultrasound-based imaging at...
CRYO-ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Description Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) allow insights into the 2D and 3D structure of biological samples at near atomic resolution. Contrary to conventional EM, samples are rapidly frozen without using chemical fixation or heavy metal staining to visualise samples ranging from proteins to cells close to their...
FOCUSED ION BEAM SEM (FIB-SEM)
Description Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) is based on a slice-and-view approach to generate stacks of 2D EM images. The data can be reconstructed in 3D and provide a comprehensive and accurate view on the subcellular organisation of cells and tissues, at a resolution in the nm...
HISTOLOGY
Description Automated histology sample preparation is a convenient and efficient way to process tissue samples. For large scale histological sample preparation, automatic pipelines are established. With the integration of staining and fixation processes its easier to obtain high-quality samples for analysis. Adapatation of the standard staining and fixation protocols are...
PHOTOACOUSTIC TOMOGRAPHY (PAT)
Description Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a cutting-edge imaging technique that combines the advantages of optical and ultrasound imaging. By using short laser pulses to generate acoustic waves in tissue, PAT can create high-resolution, 3D images of biological tissues. This technique is especially useful for visualizing blood vessels due to the...
MASS SPECTROMETRY IMAGING (MSI)
Description Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a cutting-edge technique used to analyze the spatial distribution of molecules in biological and material samples. By measuring the molecular masses of biomarkers, peptides, and proteins, MSI allows for a completely untargeted approach to visualizing tissues. Multiple analytes, including drugs, metabolites, proteins, and lipids,...
BODY DONOR FACILITY
Description The body donor facility provides access to body donor material and to infrastructure for dissection, photography and video documentation. It is possible to furnish examples for various biological inquiries and preclinical investigations. Application - human body donors for scientific purposes - tissues