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Exploring polyoxometalates as non-destructive staining agents for contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography of biological tissues

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

To advance clinical translation of regenerative medicine, there is, amongst others, still need for better insights in tissue development and disease. For this purpose, more precise imaging of the 3D microstructure and spatial interrelationships of the different tissues within organs is crucial. Despite being destructive towards the sample, conventional histology still is the gold standard for structural analysis of biological tissues. It is, however, limited by 2D sections of a 3D object, prohibiting full 3D structural analysis. MicroCT has proven to provide full 3D structural information of mineralized tissues and dense biomaterials. However, the intrinsic low X-ray absorption of soft tissues requires contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESAs). In a previous study, we showed that hafnium-substituted Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate (Hf-WD POM) allows simultaneous contrast-enhanced microCT (CE-CT) visualization of bone and its marrow vascularization and adiposity. In this study, other POM species have been examined for their potential as soft tissue CESAs. Four Wells-Dawson POMs, differing in structure and overall charge, were used to stain murine long bones and kidneys. Their staining potential and diffusion rate were compared to those of Hf-WD POM and phosphotungstic acid (PTA), a frequently used but destructive CESA. Monolacunary Wells-Dawson POM (Mono-WD POM) showed similar soft tissue enhancement as Hf-WD POM and PTA. Moreover, Mono-WD POM is less destructive, shows a better diffusion than PTA, and its synthesis requires less time and cost than Hf-WD POM. Finally, the solubility of Mono-WD POM was improved by addition of lithium chloride (LiCl) to the staining solution, enhancing further the soft tissue contrast.
Journal: Acta Biomaterialia
ISSN: 1742-7061
Volume: 105
Pages: 253 - 262
Publication year:2020
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:6
CSS-citation score:1
Authors:International
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Closed