Christos Bikis1, Lucas Degrugillier2, Peter Thalmann1, Georg Schulz1, Bert Müller3, Simone E Hieber4, Daniel F Kalbermatten5, Srinivas Madduri6. 1. Biomaterials Science Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland. 2. Center for Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland. 3. Biomaterials Science Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland. Electronic address: bert.mueller@unibas.ch. 4. Biomaterials Science Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland. Electronic address: simone.hieber@unibas.ch. 5. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland; Department of Pathology, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland. 6. Center for Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland. Electronic address: srinivas.madduri@unibas.ch.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We wanted to achieve a three-dimensional (3D), non-destructive imaging and automatic post-analysis and evaluation of reconstructed peripheral nerves without involving cutting and staining processes. NEW METHOD: We used a laboratory-based micro computed tomography system for imaging, as well as a custom analysis protocol. The sample preparation was also adapted in order to achieve 3D images with true micrometer resolution and suitable contrast. RESULTS: Analysis of the acquired tomograms enabled the quantitative assessment of 3D tissue structures, i.e., surface morphology, nerve fascicles, nerve tissue volume, geometry, and vascular regrowth. The resulting data showed significant differences between operated animals and non-operated controls. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Our approach avoids the sampling error associated with conventional 2D visualization approaches and holds promise for automation of the analysis of large series of datasets. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a potential way for 3D imaging and analysis of entire regenerated nerves non-destructively, paving the way for high-throughput analysis of therapeutic conditions of treating adult nerve injuries.
BACKGROUND: We wanted to achieve a three-dimensional (3D), non-destructive imaging and automatic post-analysis and evaluation of reconstructed peripheral nerves without involving cutting and staining processes. NEW METHOD: We used a laboratory-based micro computed tomography system for imaging, as well as a custom analysis protocol. The sample preparation was also adapted in order to achieve 3D images with true micrometer resolution and suitable contrast. RESULTS: Analysis of the acquired tomograms enabled the quantitative assessment of 3D tissue structures, i.e., surface morphology, nerve fascicles, nerve tissue volume, geometry, and vascular regrowth. The resulting data showed significant differences between operated animals and non-operated controls. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Our approach avoids the sampling error associated with conventional 2D visualization approaches and holds promise for automation of the analysis of large series of datasets. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a potential way for 3D imaging and analysis of entire regenerated nerves non-destructively, paving the way for high-throughput analysis of therapeutic conditions of treating adult nerve injuries.
Authors: Alexandra Migga; Georg Schulz; Griffin Rodgers; Melissa Osterwalder; Christine Tanner; Holger Blank; Iwan Jerjen; Phil Salmon; William Twengström; Mario Scheel; Timm Weitkamp; Christian M Schlepütz; Jan S Bolten; Jörg Huwyler; Gerhard Hotz; Srinivas Madduri; Bert Müller Journal: J Med Imaging (Bellingham) Date: 2022-03-31
Authors: T M Saffari; F Mathot; R Thaler; A J van Wijnen; A T Bishop; A Y Shin Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg Date: 2020-12-24 Impact factor: 3.022