Design and Fabrication of an MRI-Compatible, Autonomous Incubation System

摘要: Tissue engineers have long sought access to an autonomous, imaging-compatible tissue incubation system that, with minimum operator handling, can provide real-time visualization and quantification of cells, constructs, organs. This type screening system, capable operating noninvasively validate tissue, overcome current limitations like temperature shock, unsustainable cellular environments, sample contamination, handling/stress. However, this has been a major challenge, until now. Here, we describe the design, fabrication, characterization innovative, autonomous that is compatible 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Termed e-incubator (patent pending; application number: 13/953,984), microcontroller-based integrated into MRI scanner screens cells cultures in environment where temperature, pH, media/gas handling are regulated. The 4-week study discussed herein details continuous operation for tissue-engineered osteogenic construct, validated by LIVE/DEAD® cell assays histology. evolving MR quantitative parameters construct were used as biomarkers bone engineering further quality product before harvesting. Importantly, reliably facilitates culturing constructs create engineered tissues and/or investigate disease therapies.