Investigation of optical coherence tomography as an imaging modality in tissue engineering

Phys Med Biol. 2006 Apr 7;51(7):1649-59. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/51/7/001. Epub 2006 Mar 7.

Abstract

Monitoring cell profiles in 3D porous scaffolds presents a major challenge in tissue engineering. In this study, we investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an imaging modality to monitor non-invasively both structures and cells in engineered tissue constructs. We employ time-domain OCT to visualize macro-structural morphology, and whole-field optical coherence microscopy to delineate the morphology of cells and constructs in a developing in vitro engineered bone tissue. The results show great potential for the use of OCT in non-invasive monitoring of cellular activities in 3D developing engineered tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid
  • Male
  • Osteocytes / cytology*
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Tissue Engineering*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods*

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)