Non-destructive real-time imaging of cell morphology for tissue-engineering applications

A major barrier for progress in regenerative medicine is the inability to observe the process of tissue regeneration non-destructively, in real time, and with cellular level resolution. In order to overcome this difficult challenge, we have proposed and developed an imaging-bioreactor system based on fiber micro-devices. Our system is based on directly incorporating multiple hollow core fibers (HCFs) into a biocompatible tissue scaffold. By inserting fiber-based micro-mirrors into the HCFs and applying a straightforward scanning-reconstruction algorithm, we have demonstrated an imaging resolution of ∼200 μm through an optically opaque scaffold.