WalBioImaging

The Walloon network of WalBioImaging ULiège, UMONS and ULB (Gosselies site) state-of-the-art preclinical imaging technology platforms, accompanied by the CER research center, set up as part of the FEDER WAL-IMAGIN portfolio, is an essential tool in translational research and serves as a booster in pharmaceutical R&D, covering the exploratory research phase and preclinical studies, which are carried out using screening methods in in vitro tests and in vivo animal studies.

Imaging is a veritable tool for exploration in many healthcare sectors, from basic research to the development of pharmaceutical products. Developing a drug is a long and regulated process. It generally comprises an exploratory research phase, during which drug candidates are identified, followed by a preclinical research phase, during which researchers test the efficacy and toxicity of candidates first in vitro and then in vivo in animals. Scientific and technical advances in imaging, coupled with the development of high-performance image analysis software, have intensified the role of imaging in this process. It has become an essential tool for obtaining quantitative data, assessing the reproducibility of a phenomenon, and observing and monitoring a phenotype.

ULiège equipment

• SKOPE monitoring for 7T MRI - In vivo Imaging

The Skope system enhances the image quality of 7T MRI by correcting motion-related artifacts via dynamic magnetic field recording, enabling high-resolution in vivo imaging of medium-sized animals. This equipment is available on the platform.

• Spatial transcriptomics - Spatial transcriptomics

Spatial transcriptomics measures RNA expression in intact tissue via hybridization, sequencing or in situ capture, each method having its own advantages and limitations. A Xenium and a Visium CytAssist are available within the platform.

• Equipment for genome editing - Gene Editing

CRISPR-Cas9 technology is transforming gene editing to model pathologies and accelerate therapeutic research. To remain competitive, Walloon platforms need to acquire advanced equipment such as digital PCR. This equipment is available within the platform.

• High-throughput rotating disc confocal microscope -Cell Imaging

This rotating disc confocal microscope captures images rapidly, limiting phototoxicity and photobleaching, with an axial resolution similar to that of a laser scanning microscope. It enables high-throughput, 2D/3D and multi-color work. This state-of-the-art equipment will soon be available on the platform.

• Lattice light sheet microscope - Cell Imaging

The lattice lightsheet microscope enables rapid 3D imaging of living samples with minimal phototoxicity. Thanks to its lattice-structured illumination, it offers superior resolution to conventional systems, and is particularly well suited to the study of dynamic cellular processes, as a complement to confocal rotating-disk microscopy. This equipment may soon be available on the platform.

• High-plex protein profiling microscope -Cell Imaging

High-plex microscopy detects multiple markers, accelerating discoveries in biology and medicine. It will complement the spatial transcriptomics system to compare proteins and transcripts in their native context. This equipment could soon be available on the platform.

• Spectral detection flow cytometer - Flow Cytometry

Spectral detection sorters, capable of identifying an almost unlimited number of characteristics without manual adjustments, are revolutionizing cytometry by enabling the sorting of rare cell subpopulations. This equipment will soon be available on the platform.

UMONS equipment

• UCT for MSOT - CMMI

CMMI aims to combine MSOT optoacoustic imaging with UCT ultrasound tomography (RUCT + TUCT), enriching anatomical and functional imaging. This system, unique in Wallonia, will significantly improve the accuracy and scope of analyses. This equipment is available within the platform.

• CyTOF - CMMI

CyTOF uses mass spectrometry to image more than 40 targets simultaneously, with no background noise. Isotopic antibody labeling offers very high multiplexing for detailed tissue analysis. The technology also enables RNA detection via metal probes, extending the study to transcriptomic signatures. The Hyperion™ Plus system, unique in Wallonia, will strengthen WALBIOIMAGING's imaging and cytometry offering. This equipment will very shortly be available within the platform.

ULB equipment

• STED 3D - CMMI

The STED super-resolution microscope enables 3D imaging of molecular components within cells or small biological models, offering exceptional resolution. This flexible, fast and easy-to-use system is revolutionizing the study of complex biological processes. This equipment is available on the platform.

• TEP / TEMP / CT / ARG - CMMI

The SPECT/PET/ARG unit combines SPECT, PET, CT and autoradiography, providing three-dimensional functional images of small animals. PET and SPECT modalities are performed through the detection of multiple isotopes, including low- and high-energy emitters. It meets preclinical imaging needs, including for theranostic approaches in oncology. This equipment is available on the platform.

• DDD camera for cryoEM - CMMI

Cryo-EM's state-of-the-art equipment is complemented by a latest-generation DDD (Direct Detection Detector) camera, offering unrivalled resolution for exceptional performance in transmission electron microscopy under cryogenic conditions. This equipment is available on the platform.

• Image-enabled cell sorting - CMMI

Image-enabled cell sorting combines imaging and high-throughput sorting. This unique technology enables cells to be isolated on the basis of novel morphological and biological characteristics, opening up new prospects for research and industry.

CER equipment

• ImageXpress® Micro Confocal - CER

The ImageXpress® Micro Confocal system enables fast, versatile 2D/3D imaging on live or fixed cells, ideal for drug screening, the study of rare cellular events and the development of complex 3D assays.

• Vevo 3100 Microultrasonics - CER

The Vevo 3100 system offers high-resolution (up to 30 μm) non-invasive in vivo imaging on small to large animals, with hands-free functions and multi-parameter measurements, filling a key need at CER for imaging on large models.

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