A comparison of micro CT with other techniques used in the characterization of scaffolds.

The structure and architecture of scaffolds are crucial factors in scaffold-based tissue engineering as they affect the functionality of the tissue engineered constructs and the eventual application in health care. Therefore, effective scaffold assessment techniques are required right at the initial stages of research and development so as to select or design scaffolds with suitable properties. Various techniques have been developed in evaluating these important features and the outcome of the assessment is the eventual improvement on the subsequent design of the scaffold. An effective evaluation approach should be fast, accurate and non-destructive, while providing a comprehensive overview of the various morphological and architectural characteristics. Current assessment techniques would include theoretical calculation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury and flow porosimetry, gas pycnometry, gas adsorption and micro computed tomography (CT). Micro CT is a more recent method of examining the characteristics of scaffolds and this review aims to highlight this current approach while comparing it with other techniques.