Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized Medical Technology and Engineering IMTEMagnetic characterization of your developments – from nanoparticles to magnetic particle imaging
At Fraunhofer IMTE, we offer the complete chain of magnetic characterization for research and development. We combine proven MPI expertise with specialized measurement systems to precisely analyse magnetic nanoparticles, contrast agents and components. Using static and dynamic fields, we record MPS spectra, magnetization curves, system matrices, and MPI images and derive the relevant parameters for the respective applications.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are an important tool in medical imaging, both as well-tolerated contrast agents in MRI and as signalling elements in Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), a young imaging technique.
The measurement data are a central basis for the development and evaluation of magnetic nanoparticles in MPI, especially in chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine.
As part of many years of research in the field of MPI at Fraunhofer IMTE in close cooperation with the Institute of Medical Technology at the University of Lübeck, a wide range of instrumentation and experience in the specialized characterization of magnetic materials has been developed. Our work ranges from MPS measurements and advanced MPS analyses to system matrices and classic as well as hybrid MPI imaging.
Whether for the development of MPI contrast agents, the development of novel MPS-based sensor systems or magnetically marked surgical instruments – the required characterizations can be carried out at Fraunhofer IMTE. Both commercial devices and research equipment developed at the institute are available for this purpose.
In addition to pure characterization, imaging scenarios can be investigated in various MPI systems. For this purpose, application-specific phantoms are developed or software-based emulations are performed using hybrid techniques to determine the imaging properties.
Our services
Research-related measurements & consulting
- Individual, application-oriented research services for the characterization of magnetic samples
- Measurement of liquid and solid samples, between 1 µl and 1 ml depending on the method, including measurement data evaluation
- Comprehensive consulting on the selection of suitable experiments
Measurement and analysis methods
- MPS characterization in 1D to 3D fields at 25 kHz and higher frequencies, using commercial and in-house MPS systems
- Evaluation of imaging performance in various MPI systems (Bruker MPI 25/20 FF, in-house FFL system, Kolibri)
- Development and production of application-specific phantoms in cooperation with the Laboratory for Advanced Manufacturing
- Advanced MPS analyses and recording of system matrices to support MPI implementations
- Analysis of magnetic hyperthermia (SAR/heating power) and spatially resolved hyperthermia experiments in combination with MPI
