ABSTRACT
Readers of this book are well aware that tissue engineering is a vibrant eld that aims to develop biological substitutes that can replace, repair, or enhance lost tissue or organ function. As this eld comes to the forefront of medicine, it becomes critical for basic and clinical researchers to understand some of the methods that can be employed to study engineered constructs and tissues under development in vitro, or while functioning in vivo. Methods designed to image tissues can greatly aid in the advancement of tissue engineering. Today’s imaging techniques, such as x-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can allow for more than just mere pictures of the tissues of interest. Indeed, even optical techniques have progressed signicantly, and can generate images of exquisite detail and clarity. ese modern biomedical imaging techniques can see into objects without physically peeling through the interposing layers. ey also have the desired ability to yield information related to many physical and physiological characteristics important to the study of engineered tissues. Among these characteristics are the structural integrity and physical attributes of the scaolding; the perfusion/ diusion of blood and nutrients into the tissue; the distribution of oxygen within the tissue; and changes in the cellular function and remodeling of engineered tissue over time. ese critical data can be collected and used to optimize design, monitor function, and observe, predict and possibly also prevent failure of engineered tissues.
