Ultrasound Imaging Techniques for Spatiotemporal Characterization of Composition, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties in Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Ultrasound techniques are increasingly being used to quantitatively characterize both native and engineered tissues. This review provides an overview and selected examples of the main techniques used in these applications. Grayscale imaging has been used to characterize extracellular matrix deposition, and quantitative ultrasound imaging based on the integrated backscatter coefficient has been applied to estimating cell concentrations and matrix morphology in tissue engineering. Spectral analysis has been employed to characterize the concentration and spatial distribution of mineral particles in a construct, as well as to monitor mineral deposition by cells over time. Ultrasound techniques have also been used to measure the mechanical properties of native and engineered tissues. Conventional ultrasound elasticity imaging and acoustic radiation force imaging have been applied to detect regions of altered stiffness within tissues. Sonorheometry and monitoring of steady-state excitation and recovery have been used to characterize viscoelastic properties of tissue using a single transducer to both deform and image the sample. Dual-mode ultrasound elastography uses separate ultrasound transducers to produce a more potent deformation force to microscale characterization of viscoelasticity of hydrogel constructs. These ultrasound-based techniques have high potential to impact the field of tissue engineering as they are further developed and their range of applications expands.

A review of gradient stiffness hydrogels used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

“…The present trends also showed that they may have unique utility in the study of mechanobiology and have high potential to impact the field of tissue engineering as they are further developed and their range of applications expands. The applications and future prospective of ultrasound techniques in the field of tissue engineering was reviewed by Deng CX …”

“…The applications and future prospective of ultrasound techniques in the field of tissue engineering was reviewed by Deng CX. 94 Puncture testing and elastocapillary bending. Puncture testing is usually used to evaluate hydrogel mechanical failure properties, and it has a key role in their performanceparticularly in load-bearing applications.…”

Quantitative Ultrasound and B-Mode Image Texture Features Correlate with Collagen and Myelin Content in Human Ulnar Nerve Fascicles

“…Several studies have previously shown a relationship between tissue echogenicity and collagen concentration, including for native tissues such as the intestines (Kimmey, et al, 1989), and engineered tissues (Deng, et al, 2016, Mercado, et al, 2015. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to utilize QUS methods to assess the physical properties of nerve fascicles.…”

Dynamic cell–matrix interactions modulate microbial biofilm and tissue 3D microenvironments

“…Likewise, analyses of ECM can identify global and local matrix physical properties directly affecting cellular behavior and tissue/organ development. For example, ultrasound and atomic force microscopy provide details about ECM architecture, deposition, and function [23–25]. Local stiffening of the ECM with collagen fiber alignment is associated with solid tumors [25–27].…”