Functional imaging

We offer companies a unique, state-of-the-art screening service for the precise functional imaging and analysis of insect models in the context of pest and vector control. Using innovative imaging technologies (CT, MRI, PET) and a high-throughput analysis platform, we support the development, evaluation, and optimization of biocides, insecticides, and other active substances. Our goal is to provide efficient and robust solutions for assessing the effects of substances on target and non-target organisms and generating regulatory-relevant data.

Small mammals such as rats and mice have become an integral part of preclinical research. However, there are increasing ethical concerns about the extensive use of these animals in medical research. This is also reflected in the practice of funding scientific projects and in legislation. In future, therefore, all possibilities for reducing the number of laboratory animals and using possible alternatives should be fully exploited (3R principle) in order to reduce the number of vertebrates used in research and to economise research. Depending on the research question, insects such as the larvae of the tobacco hawkmoth (Manduca sexta) can play an important key role as alternative in vivo animal models. The innate immune response of the intestine and the structure of the intestinal epithelium are highly conserved between mammals and the tobacco hawkmoth, which makes tobacco hawkmoth larvae very suitable as an alternative animal model for inflammatory bowel disease. For these reasons, we mainly use larvae of the tobacco hawkmoth as model organisms.