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Avoiding artefacts in MicroCT imaging of Collagen Scaffolds: Effect of phosphotungstic acid (PTA)-staining and crosslink density

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Kwon, Kyung 
Shepherd, Jennifer 

Abstract

X-ray micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) can be used to provide both qualitative and quantitative information on the structure of three-dimensional (3D) bioactive scaffolds. When performed in a dry state, µ-CT accurately reflects the structure of collagen-based scaffolds, but imaging in a wet state offers challenges with radiolucency. Here we have used phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as a contrast agent to visualise fully hydrated collagen scaffolds in a physiologically relevant environment. A systematic investigation was performed to understand the effects of PTA on the results of µ-CT imaging by varying sample processing variables such as crosslinking density, hydration medium and staining duration.

Immersing samples in 0.3% PTA solution overnight completely stained the samples and the treatment provided a successful route for µ-CT analysis of crosslinked samples. However, significant structural artefacts were observed for samples which were either non-crosslinked or had low levels of crosslinking, which had a heterogeneous interior architecture with collapsed pores at the scaffold periphery. This work highlights the importance of optimising the choice of processing and staining conditions to ensure accurate visualisation for hydrated 3D collagen scaffolds in an aqueous medium.

Description

Keywords

40 Engineering, 4003 Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Imaging

Journal Title

Bioactive Materials

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2452-199X
2452-199X

Volume Title

8

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/N019938/1)