X-ray synchrotron radiation pseudo-holotomography as a new imaging technique to investigate angio- and microvasculogenesis with no usage of contrast agents.
Standard X-ray micro-computed tomography is a technique that allows a good visualization of the structure of mineralized tissues and biomaterials, but it fails to finely discern soft tissues. Here, we used X-ray synchrotron radiation pseudo-holotomography to visualize, at three-dimensional (3D) level, microvascular networks for the first time with no need for contrast agents, and to extract quantitative structural data in a bone-engineered construct implanted for 24 weeks in a mouse. When compared to standard histology, pseudo-holotomography allowed a previously unavailable 3D resolution of the vessels, which in turn appeared more clearly visible. Thus, pseudo-holotomography is an innovative technique that offers a promising powerful tool to investigate angio- and microvasculogenesis in advanced biomedical research areas such as regenerative medicine and antiangiogenic cancer therapies.
Komlev
Vladimir S
VS
Department of Sciences Applied to Complex Systems, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
Mastrogiacomo
Maddalena
M
Peyrin
Francoise
F
Cancedda
Ranieri
R
Rustichelli
Franco
F
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003287:Contrast Media; D006696:Holography / Q000379:methods*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D055806:Microvessels / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012756:Sheep; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D017356:Synchrotrons; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media