Southern-Germany Magnetic Particle Imaging Center (SMPI)

• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 572602692

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an innovative imaging modality that enables real-time, high-resolution, and quantitative visualization of magnetic nanoparticle distributions. Its combination of high temporal resolution, tracer specificity, and absence of ionizing radiation makes MPI particularly attractive for biomedical applications such as cardiovascular diagnostics, image-guided interventions, and cell tracking. Despite promising advances in small-animal imaging, the translation of MPI into clinical use remains an open challenge - primarily due to the lack of a dedicated translational research infrastructure. This project proposes the establishment of an interdisciplinary platform for translational MPI research in Southern Germany, located in Würzburg. The platform, referred to as the Southern Germany MPI Center (SMPI), is designed to support the full development pathway of MPI - from fundamental tracer characterization to system-level research on human-scale imaging. The overarching translational goal can be summarized as: "from mouse to man". To achieve this, three interrelated hardware components are planned: (a) A preclinical MPI scanner optimized for rodent imaging (mouse, rat), complemented by a computed tomography (CT) system for anatomical reference. This setup enables standardized tracer validation and protocol development at the current state of the art. (b) A custom-designed mid-sized MPI system, enabling translational imaging in larger animal models such as rabbits or minipigs. This system will serve as a critical intermediate step, providing experimental insight into the technical and biological requirements of future human applications. (c) A dedicated MPI spectroscopy platform for high-resolution analysis of novel tracers. This instrument allows for the precise characterization of relaxation properties, sensitivity, and signal stability under controlled conditions. Embedded within an existing interdisciplinary research environment, this infrastructure will enable close collaboration between physicists, engineers, physicians and biomedical scientists. By systematically bridging the gap between small-animal models and clinical-scale imaging, the project aims to make a substantial contribution to bringing MPI technology "from mouse to man" - in both scientific and practical terms.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: MPI-Tomograph für Proben bis 30cm Durchmesser ; Magnetpartikelspektroskop mit variablem Offsetfeld
• Instrumentation Group: 3233 Nichtlineare Magnetpartikel Bildgebung, Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Volker Christian Behr