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Imaging of Hydrogel Microsphere Structure and Foreign Body Response Based on Endogenous X-Ray Phase Contrast
Alyssa A Appel1,2, Veronica Ibarra1, Sami I Somo1
11 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology , Chicago, Illinois.
Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods
|November 1, 2016
Summary
X-ray phase-contrast (XPC) imaging enables 3D evaluation of encapsulated islets and biomaterials for type 1 diabetes research. This technique visualizes islet volume, hydrogel structure, and tissue response, advancing biomaterial stability assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes treatment may involve transplanting functional islets encapsulated in biomaterials.
- Quantitative evaluation of biomaterial stability is crucial for successful islet transplantation.
- Advanced imaging techniques are needed to monitor biomaterial performance in situ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of X-ray phase-contrast (XPC) imaging for evaluating islet encapsulation biomaterials.
- To assess the 3D imaging capabilities of XPC for islet volume, alginate structure, and local tissue response.
- To validate XPC imaging against traditional histological methods.
Main Methods:
- Rat islets were encapsulated in alginate microbeads using microfluidics.
- Encapsulated islets were implanted into a rodent model of type 1 diabetes.
- Microbeads were imaged ex vivo using XPC microcomputed tomography (μCT) with tube-based and synchrotron X-ray sources before and after implantation.
Main Results:
- XPC imaging enabled 3D visualization and quantification of islet volume within alginate beads.
- The technique distinguished between adipose and inflammatory tissue surrounding the implants.
- Quantitative measurements of bead structure and local response showed good agreement with histology.
- Failed beads were identifiable using XPC imaging.
Conclusions:
- XPC imaging is a promising tool for 3D characterization of biomaterials and encapsulated islets in small animal models.
- This imaging modality facilitates quantitative assessment of biomaterial stability and host response.
- XPC imaging represents a significant step toward non-invasive in vivo monitoring for regenerative medicine applications.
