Scanco nano/microCT system - Three-dimensional imaging of preclinical and clinical samples to assess the amount, shape and quality of tissues is essential for research studies in musculoskeletal biology, regenerative medicine, and other fields. One established imaging technique for non-destructive assessment of specimens is microcomputed tomography (microCT), which utilizes the differential attenuation of X-rays by various tissues to provide high resolution (0.5 to 10 ìm) 3D images and to facilitate quantification of tissue morphology. MicroCT has been used extensively to characterize bone density and bone morphology, and is an indispensable tool for investigators in a variety of fields, including musculoskeletal biology, developmental biology, fracture healing, organ cross-talk, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Advances in imaging technology and contrast agents now allow the use of microCT for characterization of non-mineralized tissues (e.g. cartilage, tendon, & blood vessels), enabling broad usage of this technology. Here we propose to purchase a cabinet, cone beam, ultrahigh-resolution nano/microCT system (ìCT50, Scanco Medical AG). This advanced system acquires images at voxel sizes ranging from 0.5 to 100 ìm and can accommodate sample sizes up to 105 mm in diameter and 120 mm in height. The system is capable of high-throughput imaging due to an integrated automated sample changer, large X-ray detector and powerful computer workstation. The system will benefit a large group of 11 major and 14 other/minor users who have a track record of using microCT to advance their research. These investigators are funded by 23 current NIH research grants from 7 different NIH institutes (NIAMS, NIDDK, NICHD, NIA, NHLBI, NINDS, and NIDCR). The projected usage of the system by NIH-funded investigators is 90% of the accessible use time (AUT, 69% by major users and 21% by other/minor users). The new scanner will be replacing a 17-year-old microCT system that will no longer by supported by the manufacturer due to lack of access to replacement parts (including the x-ray tube, a critical component of the system). Furthermore, the computer workstation required to operate the machine is no longer produced, and any future repairs and service would need to be sourced by a 3rd party vendor. With strong institutional support, this new state-of-the-art nano/microCT system will be embedded in the Translational Imaging and Phenotyping Core, which is part of the NIH P30-funded Center for Musculoskeletal Research. Importantly, the PI has extensive expertise in use of this technology and has successfully operated this imaging core for over a decade. Altogether, the acquisition of a new nano/microCT system via this shared instrumentation grant will have an immediate and sustained benefit to investigators in the greater Boston area and beyond.
