Label-free imaging of bone multiscale porosity and interfaces using third-harmonic generation microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Interfaces provide the structural basis of essential bone functions. In the hierarchical structure of bone tissue, heterogeneities such as porosity or boundaries are found at scales ranging from nanometers to millimeters, all of which contributing to macroscopic properties. To date, however, the complexity or limitations of currently used imaging methods restrict our understanding of this functional integration. Here we address this issue using label-free third-harmonic generation (THG) microscopy. We find that the porous lacuno-canalicular network (LCN), revealing the geometry of osteocytes in the bone matrix, can be directly visualized in 3D with submicron precision over millimetric fields of view compatible with histology. THG also reveals interfaces delineating volumes formed at succes

SUBMITTER: Genthial R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5469828 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature