A small angle light scattering device for planar connective tissue microstructural analysis |
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Authors: | Michael S Sacks David B Smith Erik D Hiester |
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Institution: | (1) Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL;(2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248294, 33124-0621 Coral Gables, FL, USA |
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Abstract: | The planar fibrous connective tissues of the body are composed of a dense extracellular network of collagen and elastin fibers
embedded in a ground matrix, and thus can be thought of as biocomposites. Thus, the quantification of fiber architecture is
an important step in developing an understanding of the mechanics of planar tissues in health and disease. We have used small
angle light scattering (SALS) to map the gross fiber orientation of several soft membrane connective tissues. However, the
device and analysis methods used in these studies required extensive manual intervention and were unsuitable for largescale
fiber architectural mapping studies. We have developed an improved SALS device that allows for rapid data acquisition, automated
high spatial resolution specimen positioning, and new analysis methods suitable for large-scale mapping studies. Extensive
validation experiments revealed that the SALS device can accurately measure fiber orientation for up to a tissue thickness
of at least 500 μm to an angular resolution of∼1o and a spatial resolution of±254 μm. To demonstrate the new device’s capabilities, structural measurements from porcine aortic
valve leaflets are presented. Results indicate that the new SALS device provides an accurate method for rapid quantification
of the gross fiber structure of planar connective tissues. |
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Keywords: | Collagen Fiber architecture Lasers Light scattering Optical methods Heart valves |
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