Human oral mucosa tissue-engineered constructs monitored by Raman fiber-optic probe

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Maxillofacial and oral surgery requires advanced tissue-engineered constructs for reconstructions.
• Noninvasive, real-time monitoring is crucial for predicting the success of engineered grafts during production and implantation.
• Current monitoring methods lack the precision needed for complex tissue-engineered constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a Raman spectroscopic probe system for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) constructs.
• To identify specific Raman spectroscopic indicators for predicting post-implantation failure of EVPOME grafts.
• To establish a foundation for a clinical, stand-alone system for automated graft monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Design and application of a novel Raman spectroscopic probe system.
• Real-time monitoring of EVPOME constructs during fabrication and post-implantation.
• In vivo studies to correlate Raman spectral features with graft outcomes.
• Analysis of Raman spectra, focusing on the band height ratio of CH2 deformation to phenylalanine ring breathing modes.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of a Raman spectroscopic probe for noninvasive, real-time monitoring of EVPOME constructs.
• Identification of a specific Raman metric (CH2 deformation/phenylalanine ring breathing ratio) correlating with thermal stress during manufacturing.
• Validation of this metric in vivo to distinguish between healthy and compromised post-implanted constructs.
• Establishment of spectroscopic indicators for predicting EVPOME failure.

Conclusions:

• Raman spectroscopy offers a viable method for noninvasive, real-time monitoring of engineered oral tissues.
• A specific Raman spectral metric can predict the viability and success of implanted EVPOME constructs.
• This work paves the way for a clinical system to enhance the safety and efficacy of tissue-engineered grafts.