X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography visualizes the microstructure and degradation profile of implanted biodegradable scaffolds after spinal cord injury

Tissue engineering strategies for spinal cord repair are explored using three-dimensional scaffolds made of biodegradable materials. These scaffolds, incorporating cells and bioactive molecules, aim to regenerate tissue and restore function after spinal cord injury (SCI). The study uses X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography to visualize the microstructure of polyglycolic acid scaffolds implanted in injured spinal cords. This technique reveals how these scaffolds degrade over time. The imaging shows that the scaffold degrades from the outside towards the center within 28 days post-implantation, demonstrating the technique's ability to monitor scaffold microstructure and degradation in SCI research.

• 1
  X-ray phase-contrast CT imaging can visualize the microstructure of a scaffold, including the hollow tubular structure and PGA microfibres, after implantation into an injured spinal cord.
• 2
  The braided scaffold gradually degraded from the end to the centre of the scaffold in the 28 days after implantation into the injured spinal cord.
• 3
  Quantitative density localization of scaffolds in the tissue is possible with X-ray phase-contrast CT imaging, providing advantages over previous degradation evaluation methods.