Three‐dimensional digital reconstruction of skin epidermis and dermis

Abstract

This study describes how three-dimensional (3D) human skin tissue is reconstructed, and provides digital anatomical data for the physiological structure of human skin tissue based on large-scale thin serial sections. Human skin samples embedded in paraffin were cut serially into thin sections and then stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Images of serial sections obtained from lighting microscopy were scanned and aligned by the scale-invariant feature transform algorithm. 3D reconstruction of the skin tissue was generated using Mimics software. Fibre content, porosity, average pore diameter and specific surface area of dermis were analysed using the ImageJ analysis system. The root mean square error and mutual information based on the scale-invariant feature transform algorithm registration were significantly greater than those based on the manual registration. Fibre distribution gradually decreased from top to bottom; while porosity showed an opposite trend with irregular average pore diameter distribution. A specific surface area of the dermis showed a 'V' shape trend. Our data suggested that 3D reconstruction of human skin tissue based on large-scale serial sections could be a valuable tool for providing a highly accurate histological structure for analysis of skin tissue. Moreover, this technology could be utilized to produce tissue-engineered skin via a 3D bioprinter in the future.

In vivo time-course biocompatibility assessment of biomagnetic nanoparticles-based biomaterials for tissue engineering applications

“…In addition, the methodology described in the present manuscript also allowed the generation of novel biomaterials with a definite structural alignment using magnetic fields during gelation of the biomaterial. This could be advantageous for reproduction and treatment of human tissues requiring a specific 3D structural organization such as the human cornea [52], tendon [53] and cartilage [54] and also other tissues with an anisotropic behavior such as the human skin, nerve and oral mucosa and palate [55]. However, future clinical trials should demonstrate the usefulness of these tissue-like products.…”

Current and Future Perspectives on Skin Tissue Engineering: Key Features of Biomedical Research, Translational Assessment, and Clinical Application

“…MRI and ultrasound imaging are more commonly used for soft tissue components due to their ability to distinguish between the various skin layers . Patient imaging can then be integrated with software into a digital 3D reconstruction of the skin tissue . New techniques such as active dynamic thermography (ADT) are constantly being developed and tested for accurate surface measurements .…”

Aldose reductase inhibition enhances lens regeneration in mice

“…This alignment algorithm has been employed in three-dimensional reconstruction applications of serial histological sections in other tissues. 32 The aligned images were then stacked within the imaging software, and a mask was drawn manually around the regenerated lens material within each image of each section. Then appropriate spacing parameters were entered (6 μm x 5 sections = 30 μm between each image) and the stack was converted to a three-dimensional image using the 3D Viewer plugin within FIJI.…”