Functional Imaging of Matrix Structure of Cryopreserved Engineered Tissues Using Back-Directional Gated Mesoscopic Imaging

Successful cryopreservation of engineered tissues (ETs) can greatly advance the access and availability of cell/tissue engineering products for clinical use. One of the key challenges in cryopreserving ETs is that the functionality of ETs should be maintained throughout the preservation process. Many of the functionalities are associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure, which in turn can be a crucial marker for the post-thaw functionality. Recent studies also reported that the ECM microstructure can be affected by freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions.^1–3 Thus, it is critical to assess three-dimensional (3-D) matrix structure of cryopreserved ETs in a non-destructive, non-invasive, and rapid manner.