Project Details
Projekt
Next-Generation Magnetic Particle Imaging at Charité – A Multimodal, Theranostic Imaging Platform for Experimental Research with a Translational Perspective
Subject Area
Radiology
Term
since 2026
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 572602944
The installation of a new-generation Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) system at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin is proposed to establish a shared, cutting-edge imaging infrastructure for Berlin’s vibrant research landscape in quantitative medical imaging. The installation would critically advance translational biomedical imaging by combining MPI with complementary imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, as well as therapeutic modalities. The proposed multimodal MPI scanner features field-free line encoding, which allows significantly more magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) to contribute to signal generation than the currently existing MPI system at Charité installed in 2015. Integrated with CT, the scanner enables co-registration of functional MPI images and high-resolution CT morphology. This synergy enhances anatomical localization, image interpretation, and interventional planning by eliminating the need to transfer specimens and animals between scanners. Furthermore, the proposed system enables research in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) by locally heating MNP through alternating magnetic fields controlling the location of MFH by MPI. This module will pave the way for theranostic applications, integrating diagnosis and therapy in one platform toward magnetically controlled drug release, tumor ablation, and rapid monitoring of therapeutic responses in personalized and image-guided medicine. The research program includes 14 interdisciplinary work packages (P1–P14) across cardiovascular medicine, neurology, and oncology: P1–P2 Development of functionalized MNP tracers and thermosensitive liposomes for systemic and localized delivery. P3–P4 Rapid temperature mapping and integration of MPI with MFH into a complete theranostic platform. P5–P7 Tumor imaging and treatment response, including combined MPI-elastography applications and intratumoral drug delivery strategies. P8–P11 Vascular and liver imaging, with a focus on inflammation, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and plaque vulnerability. P12–P14 Neurological applications including lymphatic mapping, extracellular matrix analysis, and neuroinflammation after stroke. This next-generation MPI facility at Charité will foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, supporting fundamental research and preclinical development toward clinical applications. The availability of advanced tracer synthesis, hyperthermia technology, and hybrid imaging in a centralized, shared lab environment ensures broad accessibility for researchers across Europe and opens a new window into novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and translational workflows in precision medicine.
DFG Programme
Major Instrumentation Initiatives
Major Instrumentation
MPI instrument
Instrumentation Group
3233 Nichtlineare Magnetpartikel Bildgebung, Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)
Applicant Institution
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
