Characterization of Tissue Scaffolds Using Synchrotron Radiation Microcomputed Tomography Imaging

Impact statementSynchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SR-mu CT) imaging allows for visualizing and characterizing three-dimensional objects in a nondestructive and/or in situ way with outstanding spatial resolution, deep penetration, relatively fast speed, and/or high contrast for wide ranges of tissue engineering (TE) samples. This article presents a comprehensive review on the recent studies and development based on SR-mu CT to visualize and characterize scaffolds' different properties characterization in TE. This article also provides with the fundamentals and practice of SR-mu CT to examine and evaluate the tissue scaffolds once implanted in animal models or human patients, along with the challenges and future research. Distinguishing from other traditional imaging, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SR-mu CT) imaging allows for the visualization of three-dimensional objects of interest in a nondestructive and/or in situ way with better spatial resolution, deep penetration, relatively fast speed, and/or high contrast. SR-mu CT has been illustrated promising for visualizing and characterizing tissue scaffolds for repairing or replacing damaged tissue or organs in tissue engineering (TE), which is of particular advance for longitudinal monitoring and tracking the success of scaffolds once implanted in animal models and/or human patients. This article presents a comprehensive review on recent studies of characterization of scaffolds based on SR-mu CT and takes scaffold architectural properties, mechanical properties, degradation, swelling and wettability, and biological properties as five separate sections to introduce SR-mu CT wide applications. We also discuss and highlight the unique opportunities of SR-mu CT in various TE applications; conclude this article with the suggested future research directions, including the prospective applications of SR-mu CT, along with its challenges and methods for improvement in the field of TE.

Automated summary

Synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SR-mu CT) imaging plays a crucial role in tissue engineering by visualizing and characterizing different properties of scaffolds. It offers superior visualization of three-dimensional objects compared to traditional imaging methods, making it ideal for monitoring the success of scaffolds in animal models or human patients.