Exploring the Potential of ATUM-SEM for Enhanced Characterization of Human Trabecular Bone in Biomaterials Research

This study focuses on the essential role of lacunae and canaliculi in bone health, highlighting the potential of automated tape collecting ultramicrotome-scanning electron microscopy (ATUM-SEM) for biomimetic materials development. Using ATUM-SEM, we acquired high-resolution, three-dimensional datasets for a comprehensive analysis of trabecular bone microstructure. This research investigates the application of ATUM in characterizing the microarchitecture of healthy human trabecular bone. Unlike traditional imaging, which lacks the resolution to visualize features like the lacuna-canalicular network critical for mechanotransduction and nutrient transport, ATUM-SEM captures these structures with precision. Methods are valid at the macroscopic scale; they often lack the resolution needed to visualize intricate details such as the lacuna-canalicular network, which is critical for mechanotransduction and nutrient exchange. The findings establish a baseline for healthy bone microarchitecture, which could facilitate future research on pathological bones, such as those affected by osteoporosis, and open new avenues for the creation of synthetic materials that replicate bone's natural adaptability.