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Dynamic multicomponent engineered tissue reorganization and matrix deposition measured with an integrated nonlinear
Yuqiang Bai1, Po-Feng Lee1, Holly C Gibbs1
1Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5045 Emerging Technologies Building, College Station, Texas 77843.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|March 21, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a new imaging technique, nonlinear optical microscopy-optical coherence microscopy (NLOM-OCM), for observing cells in 3-D tissue models. The system allows for real-time and long-term imaging of cell-matrix interactions in engineered tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Multicomponent tissue models are crucial for understanding cell behavior but are challenging to study noninvasively with live cell microscopy.
- Existing methods often struggle to provide detailed, real-time insights into cell-matrix interactions within complex 3-D environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an integrated nonlinear optical microscopy-optical coherence microscopy (NLOM-OCM) system for live cell imaging in 3-D multicomponent tissue models.
- To characterize cell interactions and matrix remodeling within fibrin-collagen matrices.
- To investigate the influence of cell alignment on extracellular matrix deposition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an integrated NLOM-OCM system for live cell microscopy.
- Examined 3T3 fibroblasts in fibrin-collagen mixtures to observe matrix recruitment and remodeling.
- Studied collagen deposition by neonatal human dermal fibroblasts in fibrin matrices over time.
- Assessed the impact of fibroblast alignment on collagen deposition and matrix structure.
Main Results:
- 3T3 fibroblasts were observed to recruit both fibrin and collagen fibers during matrix remodeling.
- Preferentially aligned collagen deposition was achieved by aligning fibroblasts within the matrix.
- Cell alignment could be induced independently of the initial extracellular matrix alignment.
- NLOM-OCM enabled longitudinal imaging of cell-matrix dynamics in 3-D cultures.
Conclusions:
- The integrated NLOM-OCM system offers a powerful tool for real-time and longitudinal imaging of living 3-D cultures.
- This imaging approach is valuable for evaluating cell microenvironments in composite scaffolds and for serial characterization of engineered tissue constructs.
- The findings provide insights into cell-matrix interactions and the potential for controlling matrix deposition through cell behavior.
