Combined Impedance Spectroscopy and Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography to Monitor Cells in Three-Dimensional Structures

Abstract

Objectives

To assess non-invasively and in real time the three- dimensional organization of cells within porous matrices by combining Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FDOCT) and Impedance Spectroscopy (IS).

Materials and Methods

Broadband interferences resulting from the recombination of in-depth light scattering events within the sample and light from a reference arm are measured as a modulation of the spectrum generated by a superluminescent laser diode (λo = 930nm, FWHM 90nm). Fourier transform allows in-depth localization of the scatterers, and the 3D microstructure of the sample is reconstructed by raster scanning. Simultaneously impedance spectroscopy is performed with a dielectric probe connected to an impedance analyzer to gather additional cellular information, and synchronized with FDOCT measurements.

Results

A combined IS-FDOCT system allowing an axial resolution of 5 micrometer in tissues and impedance measurements over the range 20MHz-1GHz has been developed. Alginate matrices have been characterized in terms of microstructure and impedance. Matrices seeded with adipose-derived stem cells have been monitored without the use of labeling agent.

Conclusions

We have developed a multimodality system that will be instrumental to non-invasively monitor changes in total cell volume fraction and infer cell-specific dielectric properties in 3D structure.

Keywords

Optical coherence tomography Impedance spectroscopy Non-invasive monitoring Tissue engineering Three-dimensional matrices

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