Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) represents a breakthrough in preclinical imaging, offering researchers and clinicians a powerful tool for visualizing magnetic nanoparticles with unmatched speed, sensitivity, and quantitative accuracy. Unlike traditional imaging modalities, MPI delivers real-time, three-dimensional images at millisecond intervals—enabling dynamic tracking of biological processes, in vivo cell migration, and rapid assessment of disease progression. This technology is entirely radiation-free, making it ideal for longitudinal studies and repeated imaging without compromising subject safety.

Currently under development through close collaboration with leading academic and industry partners, Bruker’s next generation MPI platform is designed to meet the evolving needs of the biomedical research community. By integrating advanced features such as dual-frequency transmission, in situ CT, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia, our system empowers users to seamlessly transition from diagnostics to localized therapy within a single workflow. With a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and future-proof innovation, Bruker’s MPI solution is paving the way for new discoveries in cardiovascular research, oncology, neurovascular imaging, and beyond—helping scientists and clinicians unlock new possibilities in precision medicine and theranostics.

• Dual-Frequency Transmission: Access detailed superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) behavior for advanced molecular imaging.
• In Situ CT Integration: Achieve precise anatomical imaging and planning within a single workflow.
• Enhanced Sensitivity: Innovative transmit-receive concept for unparalleled molecular detection.
• Theranostic Readiness: Magnet design enables seamless transition from imaging to localized therapy.
• Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia: Targeted, non-invasive heating for drug delivery and therapy.
• Holistic Solution: Complete package including hardware, software, consumables, and accessories for streamlined operation.
• Sustainability: Energy-efficient design, water cooling, and recyclable components support responsible research practices.

• Unmatched Diagnostic Accuracy: Quantitative, real-time imaging for confident decision-making.
• Integrated Therapy & Diagnostics: Minimize translational gaps and enable adaptive, personalized interventions.
• Operational Efficiency: User-friendly interfaces, robust data management, and seamless workflow integration.
• Future-Proof Platform: Designed for evolving research needs, with ongoing innovation and support.
• Sustainable Research: Lower energy consumption and global service network for responsible science.
• Prestige & Collaboration: Recognized in high-impact journals and trusted by leading research institutions worldwide.

Theranostics – the integration of diagnostics and therapy – addresses a critical challenge in modern medicine: bridging the gap between disease detection and treatment. By uniting both processes within a single platform, theranostics minimizes delays, reduces errors, and enables more direct, adaptive, and personalized interventions. This approach is especially valuable in complex therapies, where factors like invasiveness, dosage, localization, specificity, and control are deeply interconnected. Traditionally, optimizing one aspect often compromises another, but theranostics helps overcome these trade-offs by linking diagnosis and treatment into a unified, responsive strategy.

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) exemplifies the theranostic principle by combining highly sensitive imaging with localized therapy. Using the field-free region (FFR) of MPI, spatial information is precisely encoded, allowing for targeted application of high-frequency magnetic fields. This process, known as magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), heats magnetic nanoparticles only at the desired location, providing magnetic control over the therapy target. The tunable FFR ensures that treatment is both precise and non-invasive, while the concentration of nanoparticles at the target site naturally regulates the extent of heating – serving as an intrinsic dosage control.

A unique advantage of theranostic MPI-MFH is localized MPI-based thermometry. As MPI tracers heat up during MFH, their signal response changes, enabling real-time temperature tracking and treatment control. These tracers act as nanoscale sensors, helping clinicians maintain optimal thermal dosages and customize therapy for each application. This capability reduces the risk of over- or under-treatment and enhances patient safety.

The combination of MPI-based diagnostics and spatially selective MFH has demonstrated significant potential as an integrated theranostic platform (https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.86759).

It enables:

• Quantitative assessment of MPI tracer distribution for precise therapy planning
• Magnetic spatial encoding for focused hyperthermia
• Non-invasive, real-time temperature monitoring for active therapy control
• Comprehensive evaluation of therapeutic effects

Discover more about theranostic MPI-guided MFH applications in our detailed app note [link to app note].

Theranostic systems offer promising avenues to enhance treatment options for complex diseases

The state-funded future project “TherSys” (German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) is centered on developing integrated theranostic platforms that combine mRNA-based therapeutics with real-time tracking inside the body. This project is participated by the two industry partners BioNTech and Bruker and several high-stake academic partners. Specialized lipid nanoparticle delivery systems are being designed to carry both therapeutic RNA and imaging agents, such as magnetic nanoparticles. Once administered, these multifunctional carriers can be tracked in vivo with high spatial and temporal resolution using advanced imaging techniques including X-ray fluorescence imaging, MALDI imaging, and Magnetic Particle Imaging. A planned second phase of the project involves the local activation of mRNA therapy at the target site through magnetically induced hyperthermia.

For more information on future mRNA projects and project partners visit https://konsortium-mrna.de/.

We are also proud to collaborate with Frauenhofer IMTE (Fraunhofer IMTE - Fraunhofer IMTE) on an initiative to integrate a novel hyperthermia insert into Bruker’s upcoming MPI scanner. This innovation was recently presented at the International Workshop on Magnetic Particle Imaging (IWMPI) 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of next generation theranostic platforms.

BBIO Podcast: Theranostics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvCeLzaoKlc

White Paper: Micromod particles
[link to the whitepaper]