Key Technologies
The Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB-Graz) of the University of Graz provides cutting-edge and state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure (e.g. coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, two-photon microscopy, superresolution STORM microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, high-end confocal laser scanning microscopy) for biomedical research. The instruments are available for ongoing high-profile, large-scale projects such as SFB Hydrolysis and for Ph.D. programs as well as in the framework of BioTechMed-Graz the inter-university strategic cooperation of the University of Graz, Medical University of Graz and Graz University of Technology. Furthermore, the infrastructure is integral part of the field of excellence ‘BioHealth’, established at the University of Graz. The instruments are accessible for all researchers of the University Graz as well as for external scientists on the basis of collaborations.
The MS facility supports research groups at the IMB, partner institutions within the research network Spezialforschungsbereich LIPOTOX, as well as external collaborators. The development and application of mass spectrometry analyses occurs in close cooperation and according to the specific requirements of the research groups. Besides providing a standard repertoire for lipidomics and proteomics analyses, we strive to improve current technology and develop specific applications, i.e. in the course of master´s or PhD theses. As part of the "OMICS Center Graz" we are a node in the "BioTechMed" project.
The core facility for preclinical MRI supports research groups at the IMB as well as external partners in planning and conducting in vivo magnetic resonance imaging studies. Study protocols are individually adapted to meet the scientific goals of the researchers and new MR methods are established if needed. We assist the user during planning phase (preliminary studies) until the stage of post-processing and data analysis.
Our focus is on preclinical MR diagnostic to characterize fat associated and metabolic disorders as well as age-related diseases in mouse models. Our MRI lab offers a range of other applications in the fields of material and plant sciences on request.