In-process monitoring of a tissue-engineered oral mucosa fabricated on a micropatterned collagen scaffold: use of optical coherence tomography for quality control. Issue 11 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suebsamarn, O.; Kamimura, Y.; Suzuki, A.; Kodama, Y.; Mizuno, R.; Osawa, Y.; Komatsu, T.; Sato, T.; Haga, K.; Kobayashi, R.; Naito, E.; Kida, M.; Kishimoto, K.; Mizuno, J.; Hayasaki, H.; Izumi, K.
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 8:Issue 11(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Picosecond laser machining -- Biomimetics -- Micropattern -- Optical coherence tomography -- Quality control -- Tissue-engineered oral mucosa; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: Background: We previously reported a novel technique for fabricating dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ)-like micropatterned collagen scaffolds to manufacture an ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) for clinical translation; however, more biomimetic micropatterns are required to promote oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. In addition, in-process monitoring for quality control of tissue-engineered products is key to successful clinical outcomes. However, evaluating three-dimensional tissue-engineered constructs such as EVPOME is challenging. This study aimed to update our technique to fabricate a more biomimetic DEJ structure of oral mucosa and to investigate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in combination with deep learning for non-invasive EVPOME monitoring. Methods: A picosecond laser-textured microstructure mimicking DEJ on stainless steel was used as a negative mould to fabricate the micropatterned collagen scaffold. During EVPOME manufacturing, OCT was applied twice to monitor the EVPOME and evaluate its epithelial thickness. Findings: Our moulding system resulted in successful micropattern replication on the curved collagen scaffold. OCT imaging visualised the epithelial layer and the underlying micropatterned scaffold in EVPOME, enabling to non-invasively detect specific defects not found before the histological examination. Additionally, a gradual increase in epithelial thickness was observed over time. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using a stainless-steel negative mould to create a more biomimetic micropattern on collagen scaffolds and the potential of OCT imaging for quality control in oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. Abstract : Picosecond laser machining; Biomimetics; Micropattern; Optical coherence tomography; Quality control; Tissue-engineered oral mucosa.