Biomedical Imaging Techniques in Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering merges biomaterials, cells and bioactive signals to regenerate or replace damaged tissues. Precise visualisation of engineered constructs during fabrication, implantation and maturation is fundamental to optimise scaffold design, monitor host integration and assess functional outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) provides high‐resolution three‐dimensional assessment of mineralised scaffolds and bone regeneration, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers excellent soft‐tissue contrast and functional imaging without ionising radiation. Ultrasound enables real‐time monitoring of scaffold integrity and vascular perfusion, while optical methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multiphoton microscopy deliver cellular‐level resolution in superficial tissues. Photoacoustic imaging bridges optical contrast with ultrasound depth, allowing dynamic mapping of oxygenation and vascular networks. The development of tailored contrast agents and intrinsically radiopaque biomaterials has enhanced sensitivity and longitudinal tracking of scaffold degradation and tissue formation. Multimodal integration of these techniques accelerates translation by providing complementary structural, molecular and functional information in preclinical models and clinical trials.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

Researchers have developed X-ray‐visible protein scaffolds by covalently attaching iodine to tyrosine residues within collagen-based matrices. This simple bulk iodination method preserves scaffold mechanics and biocompatibility while imparting long-term radiopacity. In murine implantation studies, iodinated scaffolds remained detectable by CT for up to three months without altering degradation or inflammatory response, facilitating precise monitoring of implant position and structural integrity in vivo.

A recent review on radiopaque polyurethanes explores the incorporation of high‐electron‐density atoms into the polymer backbone to achieve intrinsic radiopacity, thereby avoiding the drawbacks of particulate fillers. This approach yields materials with uniform contrast, maintained mechanical properties and potential antimicrobial activity. Such synthesised polyurethanes promise broad applications in tissue engineering and image‐guided surgery by enabling consistent radiographic visibility without complex post-processing.

Long-term in vitro assessment of biodegradable radiopaque composites for fiducial markers has compared various polymeric matrices combined with barium sulphate and hydroxyapatite. Over a 24-week degradation period, differences in radiopacity, stiffness and surface morphology were characterised using computed tomography, thermogravimetric analysis and electron microscopy. The study identified optimal polymer compositions that balance sustained radiographic contrast with controlled biodegradation, informing the design of implantable markers for image-guided interventions.

Biomedical Imaging Techniques in Tissue Engineering publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomedical imaging techniques in tissue engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Computed tomography (CT): An imaging modality that uses X-rays to generate cross-sectional images of internal structures with high spatial resolution.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A non-invasive technique that employs magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to produce detailed images of soft tissues and functional processes.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive optical imaging method that provides real-time, cross-sectional images of tissue microstructure using low-coherence interferometry.

Contrast agent: A substance introduced into the body or scaffold to enhance the visibility of specific structures or functions in an imaging modality.

Radiopacity: The ability of a material to attenuate X-rays, appearing bright on radiographic images and facilitating scaffold or marker detection.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional biomaterial framework designed to support cell adhesion, growth and tissue regeneration.

References

1. X‐Ray Visible Protein Scaffolds by Bulk Iodination. Advanced Science (2023).
2. A Short Review on Radiopaque Polyurethanes in Medicine: Physical Principles, Effect of Nanoparticles, Processing, Properties, and Applications. Journal of Composites Science (2024).
3. Long-Term In Vitro Assessment of Biodegradable Radiopaque Composites for Fiducial Marker Fabrication. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).