A quality optimization approach to image Achilles tendon microstructure by phase-contrast enhanced synchrotron micro-tomography.

ABSTRACT: Achilles tendons are mechanosensitive, and their complex hierarchical structure is in part the result of the mechanical stimulation conveyed by the muscles. To fully understand how their microstructure responds to mechanical loading a non-invasive approach for 3D high resolution imaging suitable for soft tissue is required. Here we propose a protocol that can capture the complex 3D organization of the Achilles tendon microstructure, using phase-contrast enhanced synchrotron micro-tomography (SR-PhC-μCT). We investigate the effects that sample preparation and imaging conditions have on the resulting image quality, by considering four types of sample preparations and two imaging setups (sub-micrometric and micrometric final pixel sizes). The image quality is assessed using four quantitative

SUBMITTER: Pierantoni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8397765 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature