Fiber-based fluorescence lifetime imaging of recellularization processes on vascular tissue constructs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Monitoring tissue engineered constructs requires advanced techniques for developmental control.
• Current methods for assessing vascular biomaterials lack non-destructive in situ capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) approach using a fiber-optic interface.
• To enable non-destructive in situ assessment of vascular biomaterial recellularization and maturation.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a single fiber-optic interface for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm).
• Evaluated recellularization of antigen-removed bovine pericardium scaffolds with endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells over 7 days.
• Assessed cell presence and extracellular matrix fluorescence on serous and fibrous scaffold sides.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence lifetime successfully differentiated cell presence from extracellular matrix fluorescence.
• Recellularization was significantly faster on the serous side compared to the fibrous side for both cell types.
• Endothelial cells exhibited faster expansion rates than mesenchymal stem cells on the evaluated scaffold.

Conclusions:

• Fiber-based FLIm offers a non-destructive method for in situ assessment of tissue maturation.
• The technique can monitor recellularization dynamics in vascular biomaterials.
• This approach has potential for quality control in tissue engineering applications.