Kaer Labs NIR-II In Vivo Imaging System
| Origin | France |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Kaer Labs |
| Price Range | USD 0–140,000 |
| Temporal Resolution | 640(h) × 512(v) pixels |
| Maximum Penetration Depth | 3 cm |
Overview
The Kaer Labs NIR-II In Vivo Imaging System is a high-sensitivity, non-invasive optical imaging platform engineered for preclinical research in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm). Unlike conventional visible or NIR-I (700–900 nm) modalities, NIR-II imaging leverages reduced photon scattering and diminished tissue autofluorescence to achieve significantly improved signal-to-background ratio (SBR), enhanced contrast, and deeper tissue penetration—up to 3 cm in soft biological tissues. This system operates on the principle of spectral unmixing and time-resolved fluorescence detection, enabling quantitative longitudinal monitoring of physiological processes, molecular biomarkers, and therapeutic agent biodistribution in live animal models without ionizing radiation.
Key Features
- Optimized optical architecture for NIR-II spectral band (1000–1700 nm), incorporating InGaAs-based focal plane array (FPA) detector with thermoelectric cooling for low-noise acquisition
- Real-time imaging capability at native spatial sampling of 640 × 512 pixels, supporting frame rates suitable for hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies
- Open-platform design with modular excitation source compatibility (e.g., tunable lasers, supercontinuum sources, or filtered LED arrays) for multi-wavelength excitation and spectral fingerprinting
- Integrated thermal stabilization and vibration-damping stage to ensure measurement repeatability across longitudinal sessions
- Calibration-ready interface for radiometric and photometric traceability per ISO 15775 and ASTM E2594 standards
- Compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61000-6-1 (immunity) for laboratory-grade electromagnetic robustness
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system is validated for use with murine, rat, and rabbit models under standard vivarium conditions. It supports both transcutaneous and intraoperative imaging configurations, accommodating standard anesthesia delivery systems (isoflurane/O2) and physiological monitoring modules (ECG, temperature, respiration). All optical components meet ISO 10110 surface quality specifications, and the imaging chamber conforms to GLP-compliant environmental control requirements (±0.5°C temperature stability, <30% RH variation). The device is CE-marked under Directive 2017/745 (MDR) for preclinical research use only—not intended for human diagnostic application.
Software & Data Management
Kaer ImageSuite v3.2 provides vendor-agnostic data handling with DICOM-SR (Structured Reporting) export capability and native support for NIfTI and HDF5 formats. The software includes automated motion correction, spectral unmixing algorithms for multiplexed probe quantification, and region-of-interest (ROI) time-intensity curve generation. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable log records for all acquisition and analysis events. Raw data are stored with embedded metadata (wavelength, exposure time, gain, animal ID, protocol timestamp) to support FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles.
Applications
- Real-time visualization of tumor angiogenesis and lymphatic drainage dynamics
- Quantitative assessment of nanoparticle clearance kinetics and organ-specific accumulation
- In vivo validation of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting efficiency and off-target binding
- Functional neuroimaging of cortical blood flow changes during behavioral paradigms
- Monitoring of inflammatory cell trafficking using NIR-II-labeled macrophages or neutrophils
- Longitudinal evaluation of wound healing progression and granulation tissue formation
FAQ
Is this system approved for clinical use in humans?
No. The Kaer Labs NIR-II In Vivo Imaging System is designated exclusively for preclinical research applications in animal models and is not cleared or approved by FDA, CE, or other regulatory bodies for human diagnostic or therapeutic use.
What types of contrast agents are compatible with this platform?
The system is compatible with any exogenous NIR-II fluorophores emitting between 1000–1700 nm—including rare-earth-doped nanoparticles (e.g., NaYF4:Yb/Er), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), organic small-molecule dyes (e.g., CH1055 derivatives), and quantum dots engineered for NIR-II emission.
Does the system include calibration standards for quantitative intensity measurements?
Yes. A NIST-traceable reflectance standard and calibrated NIR-II light source are included for daily photometric validation and inter-system intensity normalization.
Can the system be integrated with existing animal monitoring or anesthesia platforms?
Yes. Analog and digital I/O ports (BNC, TTL, USB-C) enable hardware synchronization with third-party physiological monitors, ventilators, and gas anesthesia controllers—ensuring precise temporal alignment of imaging data with physiological states.
