High-Frequency Ultrasonic Imaging of Growth and Development in Manufactured Engineered Oral Mucosal Tissue Surfaces

Abstract

This study uses high-resolution ultrasound to examine growth and development of engineered oral mucosal tissues manufactured under aseptic conditions. The specimens are a commercially available natural tissue scaffold, AlloDerm® and oral keratinocytes seeded onto AlloDerm® to form a ex vivo produced oral mucosal equivalent (EVPOME) suitable for intraoral grafting. The seeded cells produce a keratinized protective upper layer which smooth’s out any remaining surface irregularities on the underlying AlloDerm®. Two-dimensional acoustic imaging of unseeded AlloDerm® and developing EVPOMEs were performed at each consecutive day of their growth and development, requiring imaging each of the tissue specimens under aseptic conditions (total time from seeding to maturation: 11 days). Ultrasonic monitoring offers us an ability to determine the constituents in the EVPOME that are responsible for changes in its mechanical behavior during the manufacturing process. Ultrasonic monitoring affords us an opportunity to non-invasively assess, in real time, tissue engineered constructs prior to release for use in patient care.

Applying High-Frequency Ultrasound to Examine Structures and Physical Properties of Cells and Tissues

“…Because SAM requires no preparatory work on the specimens, recent studies have been performed to image cells and tissues under aseptic conditions to effectively monitor their growth and differentiation [9]. Other potential applications include real-time imaging of cells and tissues and even in vivo monitoring of tissues, provided there are materials and methods to image the selected tissues within the animal or person.…”

“…This provides a more accurate representation of the materials' natural properties [18]. In biological imaging, it can also provide evidence as to any degree(s) of differentiation which the cells undergo without chemically affecting their properties [6][7][8][9]. In some SAM systems, there is also the ability to scan across three axes, allowing for a three-dimensional composite image of the desired specimen to be produced.…”