Propagation‐Based Phase Contrast Computed Tomography as a Suitable Tool for the Characterization of Spatial 3D Cell Distribution in Biomaterials. Issue 11 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wieland, D. C. Florian; Krueger, Simone; Moosmann, Julian; Distler, Thomas; Weizel, Alina; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Seitz, Hermann; Jonitz-Heincke, Anika; Bader, Rainer
• Other Names: Müller Martin guestEditor.; Busch Sebastian guestEditor.; Krywka Christina guestEditor.; Moulin Jean-Francois guestEditor.; Pyczak Florian guestEditor.; Staron Peter guestEditor.; Thiry Marc guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Advanced engineering materials. Volume 23:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: biomaterials -- histology -- multimodal analysis -- phase contrast tomography; Materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202001188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-1656

Abstract

Abstract : The 3D structural investigation of soft tissue samples under near physiological conditions is challenging as most established techniques require embedding, staining, or cutting samples. Such manipulations can induce artifacts or result in a tremendous workload by, e.g., the preparation of multiple 2D images to retrieve the volume information. A non‐invasive technique allowing to image the soft tissue in a 3D fashion is propagation‐based phase contrast computed tomography. We explore the methods' unique properties to assess the 3D distribution and size of human chondrocytes within collagen scaffolds in a liquid environment without embedding. To seek if the identification of differences in cell distribution is possible, we have seeded cartilage cells on collagen scaffolds that were unstimulated or stimulated by alternating electric fields for 7 days. Analysis of the 3D cell distributions reveals that the migration depth of the chondrocytes into the scaffold is nearly doubled along with the total number of cells due to the applied electric field. Further analysis shows no specific size distribution of the chondrogenic cells. Our results indicate that propagation‐based phase contrast computed tomography is a suitable tool to determine the 3D distribution of cells within a biomaterial investigated under aqueous conditions. Abstract : The structural investigation of cell distribution of chondrocytes in a collagen scaffold is done by propagation‐based phase contrast computed tomography. The results indicate that the technique is suitable for determining cells' distribution within a soft 3D biomaterial investigated under aqueous conditions. It allows us to visualize the effects of electric field application on cell migration and orientation.