1. Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Microstructure of Human Acellular Nerve Allograft
- Author
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Qingtang Zhu, Liqiang Gu, Jian Qi, Jian Yutao, Shuang Zhu, Yan Liwei, Xiaolin Liu, Yang Weihong, Xiang Zhou, Jian-ping Xiang, Tao Lin, and Bo He
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,X-ray microtomography ,Materials science ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,Imaging, Three-Dimensional ,0302 clinical medicine ,Peripheral nerve ,Microscopy ,Humans ,Computer Simulation ,Peripheral Nerves ,Multidisciplinary ,Nerve allograft ,Nerve graft ,Organ Transplantation ,X-Ray Microtomography ,Anatomy ,Allografts ,Microstructure ,030104 developmental biology ,Computed microtomography ,Printing, Three-Dimensional ,Peripheral nerve injury ,Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The exact inner 3D microstructure of the human peripheral nerve has been a mystery for decades. Therefore, it has been difficult to solve several problems regarding peripheral nerve injury and repair. We used high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) to scan a freeze-dried human acellular nerve allograft (hANA). The microCT images were then used to reconstruct a 3D digital model, which was used to print a 3D resin model of the nerve graft. The 3D digital model of the hANA allowed visualization of all planes. The magnified 3D resin model clearly showed the nerve bundles and basement membrane tubes of the hANA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyse the microstructure of the hANA. Compared to the SEM images, the microCT image clearly demonstrated the microstructure of the hANA cross section at a resolution of up to 1.2 μm. The 3D digital model of the hANA facilitates a clear and easy understanding of peripheral nerve microstructure. Furthermore, the enlarged 3D resin model duplicates the unique inner structure of each individual hANA. This is a crucial step towards achieving 3D printing of a hANA or nerve that can be used as a nerve graft.
- Published
- 2016
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