Development of a contrast-enhanced micro tomography protocol for human meniscus: a pilot study

Aiming to promote comprehensive imaging approaches integrating information about the microstructure of mineralized and soft tissues, because the latter are transparent to X-ray, the use of contrast-enhanced micro tomography (CE-µCT) is increasing significantly. In the present work, two tissue preparations - with PTA as contrast agent and by HMDS chemical drying - were tested on human meniscal tissue to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing µCT tissue contrast. Eventual macroscopic alterations induced by such approaches were investigated through size/weight measures and mechanical testing, i.e., unconfined compression. Preliminary results showed that both strategies were able to enhance the µCT material contrast, albeit with different efficacy in tissue quote revealed and in highlighting microstructure; despite the promising evidence, alterations in the mechanics of the sample - in comparison with non-contrasted tissue - occurred.