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High-resolution X-ray phase-contrast tomography of human placenta with different wavefront markers
Sara Savatović1,2,3,4,5, Davis Laundon6,7, Fabio De Marco8,9
1Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany. sara.savatovic@tum.de.
Scientific Reports
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast micro-tomography, using modulation-based imaging (MBI) with gratings or sandpaper, reveals detailed human placenta structures. This advanced virtual histology offers new insights into complex placental architecture and vascular networks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Phase-contrast micro-tomography (µCT) using synchrotron radiation enhances soft tissue imaging by detecting subtle density variations.
- Modulation-based imaging (MBI) extracts phase information by analyzing distortions in reference patterns from structured modulators.
- Both techniques are valuable for virtual inspection of biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform high-resolution µCT scans of an unstained human placenta specimen using MBI with 2D grating and sandpaper modulators, alongside conventional propagation-based imaging (PBI).
- To assess and compare the reconstruction quality of MBI and PBI for virtual histology of placental tissue.
- To correlate 3D MBI results with 2D techniques like conventional histology and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental mapping.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution synchrotron radiation µCT scans were performed on an unstained human placenta.
- Modulation-based imaging (MBI) was employed using both a 2D grating and sandpaper as modulators.
- Conventional propagation-based imaging (PBI) was used as a comparative method; MBI datasets were processed using the Unified Modulated Pattern Analysis (UMPA) model.
Main Results:
- 3D virtual representations of the human placenta were generated, detailing its intricate branching villous network and vascular structure.
- Reconstruction quality was assessed for MBI (with grating and sandpaper) and PBI.
- The study evaluated the influence of MBI technique complexities on image quality.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution µCT with MBI provides valuable 3D virtual insights into human placental architecture.
- MBI, particularly with advanced processing like UMPA, shows potential for virtual histology applications.
- Comparing MBI with conventional histology and XRF elemental maps aids in understanding its suitability and benefits for biological sample analysis.
