scholarly journals Micro-computed tomography for natural history specimens: a handbook of best practice protocols

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kleoniki Keklikoglou ◽  
Sarah Faulwetter ◽  
Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽  
Patricia Wils ◽  
Jonathan Brecko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Ct Technology ◽  
Non Destructive

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT or microtomography) is a non-destructive imaging technique using X-rays which allows the digitisation of an object in three dimensions. The ability of micro-CT imaging to visualise both internal and external features of an object, without destroying the specimen, makes the technique ideal for the digitisation of valuable natural history collections. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to laboratory micro-CT imaging of different types of natural history specimens, including zoological, botanical, palaeontological and geological samples. The basic principles of the micro-CT technology are presented, as well as protocols, tips and tricks and use cases for each type of natural history specimen. Finally, data management protocols and a comprehensive list of institutions with micro-CT facilities, micro-CT manufacturers and relative software are included.

scholarly journals Use of Micro-Computed Tomography for Dental Studies in Modern and Fossil Odontocetes: Potential Applications and Limitations

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Loch ◽  
Donald R Schwass ◽  
Jules A Kieser ◽  
R Ewan Fordyce
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Good Resolution ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Pulp Cavity ◽  
Diagenetic Alteration ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Non Destructive

Teeth are important elements in studies of modern and fossil Cetacea (whales, dolphins), providing information on feeding habits, estimations of age and phylogenetic relationships. The growth layer groups (GLGs) recorded in dentine have demonstrated application for aging studies, but also have the potential to elucidate life history phenomena such as metabolic or physiologic events. Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-invasive and non-destructive technique that allows 3-dimensional study of mineralized tissues, such as human teeth, and their physical properties. Teeth from extant dolphins (Cetacea: Odontoceti) and some fossil odontocetes were scanned in a Skyscan 1172 Micro-CT desktop system. X-rays were generated at 100 kV and 100 µA for extant samples, and at 80kV and 124 µA for fossils. 0.5 mm thick aluminum and copper filters were used in the beam. Reconstructed images were informative for most extant species, showing a good resolution of the enamel layer, dentine and pulp cavity. Greyscale changes in the dentinal layers were not resolved enough to show GLGs. Visualization of the internal structure in fossil cetacean teeth depended on the degree of diagenetic alteration in the specimen; undifferentiated enamel and dentine regions probably reflect secondary mineralization. However, internal details were finely resolved for one fossil specimen, showing the enamel, internal layers of dentine and the pulp cavity. Micro-CT has been proven to be a useful tool for resolving the internal morphology of fossil and extant teeth of cetaceans before they are sectioned for other morphological analyses; however some methodological refinements are still necessary to allow better resolution of dentine for potential application in non-destructive age determination studies. 

scholarly journals Micro-CT for Biological and Biomedical Studies: A Comparison of Imaging Techniques

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Kleoniki Keklikoglou ◽  
Christos Arvanitidis ◽  
Georgios Chatzigeorgiou ◽  
Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽  
Efstratios Karagiannidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Great Resolution

Several imaging techniques are used in biological and biomedical studies. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a non-destructive imaging technique that allows the rapid digitisation of internal and external structures of a sample in three dimensions and with great resolution. In this review, the strengths and weaknesses of some common imaging techniques applied in biological and biomedical fields, such as optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, are presented and compared with the micro-CT technique through five use cases. Finally, the ability of micro-CT to create non-destructively 3D anatomical and morphological data in sub-micron resolution and the necessity to develop complementary methods with other imaging techniques, in order to overcome limitations caused by each technique, is emphasised.

Defect Detection of Metal Injection Modeling by Micro Computed Tomography

2012 ◽  
Vol 229-231 ◽  
pp. 1445-1448
Author(s):  
Wei Yun Huang ◽  
Chang Da Chen ◽  
Yen Nien Chen ◽  
Wei Jen Shih ◽  
Chih Han Chang
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Injection Molding ◽  
Hot Isostatic Pressing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Metal Injection Molding ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Non Destructive

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a combination of metal powder and injection molding technology. The main advantage of this technology for material parts with small and complex shape is to manufacture cost-effective and high-volume products. The main processing steps include mixing, injection molding, debinding , sintering, and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) in order to reduce internal porosity of metals, then to improve mechanical properties. This study is based on non-destructive testing method to determine the possible defect inside the internal structure of the MIM parts. Three types of parts with and without HIP were evaluated investigated in this study. The micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) is used to scan these parts. Based the reconstructed section images from CT, the defects can be identified. It showed that with HIP the much of detects could be reduced. To conclude, Micro CT could be used to detect, in a non-destructive way, the internal detect within MIM parts can be found out in the micro-CT images, so that the manufacturing process could be modified to improve the quality of MIM parts.

Sensitivity of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to visualize skeletal variations and malformations in embryo-fetal development toxicity studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Arun K. Tatiparthi ◽  
Cherie D. Qualls ◽  
Paul Bushdid ◽  
Katherine M. Murray ◽  
Alexandra K. Groeller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Toxicity Studies

Diagnostic Yield of Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) Versus Histopathology of a Canine Oral Fibrosarcoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
Matthias C. Eberspächer-Schweda ◽  
Kira Schmitt ◽  
Stephan Handschuh ◽  
Andrea Fuchs-Baumgartinger ◽  
Alexander M. Reiter
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Contrast Agent ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Image Resolution ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Histopathological Diagnosis ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Tumor Margins

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging currently gains increased interest in human as well as veterinary medicine. The ability to image 3-dimensional (3D) biopsy specimens nondestructively down to 1 µm spatial resolution makes it a promising tool for microscopic tissue evaluation in addition to histopathology. Visualizing tumor margins and calculating tumor load on 3D reconstructions may also enhance oncological therapies. The objective of this study was to describe the workflow from tumor resection to histopathological diagnosis, using both routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections and micro-CT tomograms on a stage II oral fibrosarcoma in a 7-year-old Hovawart dog. The maxillectomy specimen was fixed with formalin and stained with an X-ray dense soft tissue contrast agent. Micro-CT imaging was done using an ex vivo specimen micro-CT device. Tumor margins could not be exactly determined on micro-CT tomograms due to limited image resolution and contrast. Histopathology was performed after washing out the contrast agent. It showed neoplastic cells infiltrating the surrounding tissue further than assumed from micro-CT images. A total tumor volume of 10.3 cm3 could be calculated based on correlating micro-CT tomograms with HE-stained sections. This correlative approach may be of particular interest for oncological therapy. More than that, micro-CT imaging technology supported histopathology by means of 3D orientation and selection of slices to be cut on determining tumor margins. In this clinical case report, micro-CT imaging did not provide unambiguous clinical evidence for oncological decision-making, but it showed potential to support histopathology and calculate tumor volume for further clinical use.

scholarly journals Applying micro-computed tomography for porosity analysis of polypropylene modified with microspheres

2021 ◽  
Vol 332 ◽  
pp. 01017
Author(s):  
Piotr Szewczykowski
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Solid Material ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Material Density ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Blowing Agent ◽  
Central Measuring ◽  
Porosity Analysis ◽  
Non Destructive

Porosity of polypropylene samples was investigated by applying X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), which is getting more and more popular as a non-destructive method. Microspheres were applied as a blowing agent at three concentrations: 3%, 6% and 9% by weight. Tensile testing specimens were obtained by injection molding technology and its central, measuring part were examined by micro – CT. Results were compared to porosity calculated based on difference in porous and solid material density. Pore size distribution curves were discussed as well.

scholarly journals Characterization of Coloured Gemstones by X-ray Micro Computed Tomography

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
René Heyn ◽  
Abraham Rozendaal ◽  
Anton Du Plessis ◽  
Carene Mouton
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Fracture Detection ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Non Destructive

The monetary value of gemstones is based on five variables: rarity, cut, weight, color and clarity. The latter refers to internal impurities and defects. Fashion may also dictate demand and price. To enhance some of these features and value, gemstones are treated. Disclosure or nondisclosure thereof has been controversial and affected consumer confidence. Most of these treatments are difficult to detect with the naked eye and accurately quantify with traditional optical and analytical methods. X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT or μCT) is proposed as a relatively low cost, physically non-destructive and complementary method to detect and quantify clarity enhancement and also to provide a unique 3D fingerprint of each gemstone. A collection of 14 cut colored gemstones was selected. Micro-CT scans allowed fracture detection, their distribution and calculation of filler volume as well as 3D mapping of inclusions, surface and internal imperfections and artificially induced modifications. As a result the method allows the construction of a digital twin. X-ray exposure could however induce unwanted color changes. This effect was minimized or eliminated by optimizing dosage and exposure time.

scholarly journals Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Subchondral Bone Regeneration Using Osteochondral Scaffolds in an Ovine Condyle Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Taylor Flaherty ◽  
Maryam Tamaddon ◽  
Chaozong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Bone Regeneration ◽  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Bone Volume ◽  
Osteochondral Defects ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Trabecular Thickness ◽  
Osteochondral Scaffold

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.

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