Imaging and assessment of microvasculature-on-chip
Sihvola, Emily (2023)
Sihvola, Emily
2023
Bioteknologian ja biolääketieteen tekniikan kandidaattiohjelma - Bachelor's Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunta - Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2023-05-20
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202305205960
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202305205960
Tiivistelmä
This bachelor's thesis is a literature review on the imaging and assessment of microvasculature-on-chip using various imaging techniques. Microvasculature plays a vital role in human body organs, and its dysfunctions have been linked to many diseases. Although animal models have traditionally been used for microvascular research, recent advances in fabrication strategies have led to the development of microfluidic devices, known as microvasculature-on-chip, that enable the in vitro modelling of the microvasculature. These devices offer several advantages over traditional animal models, including improved control over experimental conditions, reduced cost, and the ability to use human cells and tissues.
This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the available imaging techniques for microvasculature-on-chip, including their advantages, limitations, and applications. Recently, advanced imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM), and photoacoustic tomography (PAT), have been applied to visualize microvasculature-on-chip. These imaging techniques provide high spatial resolution, deeper penetration depth, and practical information such as blood flow and oxygenation. However, analysing and quantifying the microvasculature images obtained from these techniques require sophisticated algorithms and software.
The thesis concludes that the combination of microfluidic devices with various imaging techniques provides an excellent platform to study microvascular networks in vitro, which can lead to important insights into the dynamics and behaviour of the microvasculature in various pathological conditions. Fluorescence microscopy, SPIM, and PAT have been discussed as the most commonly used imaging techniques for microvasculature-on-chip. Each imaging method has its unique advantages and limitations, and the most suitable imaging method depends on the specific research question and the desired spatial and temporal resolution. The thesis also highlights the challenges posed by the small size and complex architecture of microfluidic devices, the artifacts introduced by the materials used to construct these devices, and the high cost of equipment and expertise required for accurate and reliable microvasculature assessment.
This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the available imaging techniques for microvasculature-on-chip, including their advantages, limitations, and applications. Recently, advanced imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM), and photoacoustic tomography (PAT), have been applied to visualize microvasculature-on-chip. These imaging techniques provide high spatial resolution, deeper penetration depth, and practical information such as blood flow and oxygenation. However, analysing and quantifying the microvasculature images obtained from these techniques require sophisticated algorithms and software.
The thesis concludes that the combination of microfluidic devices with various imaging techniques provides an excellent platform to study microvascular networks in vitro, which can lead to important insights into the dynamics and behaviour of the microvasculature in various pathological conditions. Fluorescence microscopy, SPIM, and PAT have been discussed as the most commonly used imaging techniques for microvasculature-on-chip. Each imaging method has its unique advantages and limitations, and the most suitable imaging method depends on the specific research question and the desired spatial and temporal resolution. The thesis also highlights the challenges posed by the small size and complex architecture of microfluidic devices, the artifacts introduced by the materials used to construct these devices, and the high cost of equipment and expertise required for accurate and reliable microvasculature assessment.
Kokoelmat
- Kandidaatintutkielmat [8800]