Resources

MILabs Micro-CT
The School of Dentistry has purchased a state-of-the art in-vivo micro computed tomographer (micro-CT) from MILabs (Utrecht, Netherlands). The scanner is accessible to all investigators on a charge per use basis.

The scanner allows high resolution imaging of radio-dense tissues like skeletons, bones, and teeth, either in live animals or from ex vivo samples. Actual spatial resolution is close to 10 microns making it an ideal tool for orthopedic, dental or material research.

For live imaging, the scanner can accommodate mice, rats, or whole rabbits and ferrets. The system is connected to an Isoflurane anesthesia station and animals can be continuously monitored during the scan (heart, breathing, temperature). Whole-body images can be obtained in as little as 5 seconds at extremely low X-ray doses down to 5 mGy. The scanner allows for dual adaptive retrospective gating to eliminate artifacts from heart and lung movements. The system also allows high resolution 3D-imaging of the beating heart or angiography when using contrasting agents.

The system supports dual energy scanning meaning two scans at different X-ray intensity can be performed simultaneously.

A powerful reconstruction computer using MILabs own reconstruction software allows rapid preparation of files for subsequent analysis on any 3D imaging software. Bone density analysis can be performed using BoneJ. A computer running image analysis software (Amira, Avizo, BoneJ) is located in the Katz office area.

Contact: Daniel Graf (dgraf@ualberta.ca) or Maria Alexiou (alexiou@ualberta.ca).

Faxitron-Dexa scanner
The BOMRU has an Ultra Focus Faxitron-Dexa scanner since 2019. This is an X-ray irradiation system for in vivo and ex vivo imaging applications of screening, tracking and evaluating structural, bone density and body composition changes.

Its pre-clinical imaging applications include, phenotyping, bone regeneration, tumor growth, body composition, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD). The maximum size of animal to be scanned is that of a rat. For more information contact: Maria Alexiou alexiou@ualberta.ca 780-492-7383.

Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Devices
LIPUS is a type of therapeutic ultrasound that uses a transducer to produce ultrasound waves with a 30 mW/cm2 intensity and a 1.5 MHz frequency (in bursts of 200 μs) repeated at 1 kHz. LIPUS is used clinically for bone and fracture healing, and its application on soft tissues, cells, and joints continues to be explored because of its positive effect on cell proliferation and metabolism, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed tissues and cell cultures. LIPUS can be applied to cells in culture or directly to tissues using an ultrasound coupling gel. Its application is typically 20 minutes/day for 1-28 days depending on the culture or tissue. For more information on this device and potential use, contact: Dr. Tarek El-Bialy, telbialy@ualberta.ca

Histology and Microscopy Facility
The BOMRU provides histology facilities for tissue processing and paraffin embedding, sectioning and staining of histological samples for analysis. In addition, cryosectioning is available in the unit’s Leica cryostat.  Further, a microscopy facility is available; that is equipped with a Leica upright light microscope, a Leica stereo scope and an inverted Olympus light microscope with a fluorescence system. All function with digital cameras. For more information contact: Dr. Maria Alexiou alexiou@ualberta.ca 780-492-7383.

Tissue culture Facility
The BOMRU has tissue culture facilities to carry out sterile experimentation, maintain tissue culture lines, and do in vitro analysis of cell lines and primary tissue. For more information contact: Dr. Maria Alexiou alexiou@ualberta.ca 780-492-7383

Molecular Biology Facility
The BOMRU maintains a well-equipped core with equipment to facilitate identification and analysis of proteins, DNA and RNA. These include an Eppendorf Mastercycler, Biorad T100 Thermalcycler, Biorad CFX96 Real Time System, Biorad Gene Pulser Xcell Electroporation System, Biorad ChemiDoc Imaging System, Biotek Synergy Microplate Reader, Tecan Infinite M200 Microplate Reader, NanoDrop 2000C, Sonicator, microbalance. For more information contact: Dr. Maria Alexiou alexiou@ualberta.ca 780-492-7383.

Biomechanics Facility
 BOMRU has a number of pieces of equipment at its disposal to conduct mechanical testing of dental implants, dental tissues, and orthodontic appliances. These include:

For more information contact: Dr. Dan Romanyk, dromanyk@ualberta.ca