Chapter 11 - Assessment methods of bone-to-biomaterials regeneration

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the application of high-resolution X-ray imaging modalities currently available for the assessment of biomaterials and (bone) tissue-engineered constructs, with a specific focus on micro-computed tomography (CT) and CT-derived techniques. It also discusses the development, applications, and limitations of both in vivo and ex vivo micro-CT imaging methods. Moreover, it describes state-of-the-art X-ray imaging techniques, like X-ray phase contrast, scatter contrast, fluorescence contrast, and hybrid X-ray imaging. Finally, it presents challenging nano-resolution multimodal in vivo imaging. Such techniques are providing a simultaneous view into associated molecular, functional, and anatomical changes.