Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT
Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is a common tool for the visualization of the internal composition of organic tissues. Collagen comprises approximately 25–35% of the whole-body protein content in mammals, and the structure and arrangement of collagen fibers contribute significantly to the integr...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceuticals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/12/1719 |
| _version_ | 1827573824903708672 |
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| author | Spencer B. Glancy Herman Douglas Morris Vincent B. Ho George J. Klarmann |
| author_facet | Spencer B. Glancy Herman Douglas Morris Vincent B. Ho George J. Klarmann |
| author_sort | Spencer B. Glancy |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is a common tool for the visualization of the internal composition of organic tissues. Collagen comprises approximately 25–35% of the whole-body protein content in mammals, and the structure and arrangement of collagen fibers contribute significantly to the integrity of tissues. Collagen type I is also frequently used as a key structural component in tissue-engineered and bioprinted tissues. However, the imaging of collagenous tissues is limited by their inherently low X-ray attenuation, which makes them indistinguishable from most other soft tissues. An imaging contrast agent that selectively alters X-ray attenuation is thus essential to properly visualize collagenous tissue using a standard X-ray tube microCT scanner. This review compares various contrast-enhanced techniques reported in the literature for MicroCT visualization of collagen-based tissues. An ideal microCT contrast agent would meet the following criteria: (1) it diffuses through the tissue quickly; (2) it does not deform or impair the object being imaged; and (3) it provides sufficient image contrast for reliable visualization of the orientation of individual fibers within the collagen network. The relative benefits and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Lugol’s solution (I<sub>3</sub>K), phosphotungstic acid (H<sub>3</sub>PW<sub>12</sub>O<sub>40</sub>), mercury(II) chloride (HgCl<sub>2</sub>), and Wells–Dawson polyoxometalates came closest to fitting the criteria. While none of the contrast agents discussed in the literature met all criteria, each one has advantages to consider in the context of specific lab capabilities and imaging priorities. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:26:39Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1236b4b9ad9749b68d664ddb74f816c3 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1424-8247 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:26:39Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pharmaceuticals |
| spelling | doaj.art-1236b4b9ad9749b68d664ddb74f816c32023-12-22T14:31:40ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472023-12-011612171910.3390/ph16121719Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCTSpencer B. Glancy0Herman Douglas Morris1Vincent B. Ho2George J. Klarmann3San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, TX 78234, USASchool of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USASchool of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA4D Bio3 Center for Biotechnology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USAMicro-computed tomography (microCT) is a common tool for the visualization of the internal composition of organic tissues. Collagen comprises approximately 25–35% of the whole-body protein content in mammals, and the structure and arrangement of collagen fibers contribute significantly to the integrity of tissues. Collagen type I is also frequently used as a key structural component in tissue-engineered and bioprinted tissues. However, the imaging of collagenous tissues is limited by their inherently low X-ray attenuation, which makes them indistinguishable from most other soft tissues. An imaging contrast agent that selectively alters X-ray attenuation is thus essential to properly visualize collagenous tissue using a standard X-ray tube microCT scanner. This review compares various contrast-enhanced techniques reported in the literature for MicroCT visualization of collagen-based tissues. An ideal microCT contrast agent would meet the following criteria: (1) it diffuses through the tissue quickly; (2) it does not deform or impair the object being imaged; and (3) it provides sufficient image contrast for reliable visualization of the orientation of individual fibers within the collagen network. The relative benefits and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Lugol’s solution (I<sub>3</sub>K), phosphotungstic acid (H<sub>3</sub>PW<sub>12</sub>O<sub>40</sub>), mercury(II) chloride (HgCl<sub>2</sub>), and Wells–Dawson polyoxometalates came closest to fitting the criteria. While none of the contrast agents discussed in the literature met all criteria, each one has advantages to consider in the context of specific lab capabilities and imaging priorities.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/12/1719MicroCTcontrast agentcollagenLugol’sphosphotungstic acid |
| spellingShingle | Spencer B. Glancy Herman Douglas Morris Vincent B. Ho George J. Klarmann Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT Pharmaceuticals MicroCT contrast agent collagen Lugol’s phosphotungstic acid |
| title | Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT |
| title_full | Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT |
| title_fullStr | Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT |
| title_short | Optimal Agents for Visualizing Collagen Tissue Microarchitecture Using Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT |
| title_sort | optimal agents for visualizing collagen tissue microarchitecture using contrast enhanced microct |
| topic | MicroCT contrast agent collagen Lugol’s phosphotungstic acid |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/12/1719 |
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