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Mapping Cell Viability Quantitatively and Independently From Cell Density in 3D Gels Noninvasively
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|February 3, 2021
Summary
This study presents a noninvasive MRI method to map cell viability and density in 3D bioreactors. The technique quantifies live and dead cells independently, enabling better monitoring of cell health and proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Biomanufacturing requires quantitative methods to monitor cell viability and density in 3D bioreactors.
- Noninvasive MRI has shown promise for assessing cell density but not the live/dead cell ratio.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for independently measuring cell viability and density in hydrogel-embedded cell cultures.
- To enable noninvasive mapping of cell number and health within bioreactors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 1H magnetization transfer (MT) and diffusion-weighted NMR signals.
- Employed a multivariate approach for calibration with known cell density and viability.
- Generated cell viability and density maps by weighting NMR images.
Main Results:
- Achieved independent quantification of cell viability and density.
- Established limits of detection for total cell density (3.88 ×10^8 cells·mL^-1·Hz^-1/2) and viable cell density (2.36 ×10^9 viable cells·mL^-1·Hz^-1/2).
Conclusions:
- Developed a noninvasive mapping technique for cell viability and number density in optically opaque bioreactors.
- This nondestructive readout offers valuable feedback for monitoring and controlling cell populations in bioreactors.
