Quantitative multiparametric two-photon imaging of tissues

The characterization of engineered tissue development has been performed via invasive means that have limited abilities to capture the dynamic nature of the interactions and changes that occur. Optical spectroscopic imaging could serve as a non-invasive approach to overcome this limitation. Implemented on a two-photon microscopy platform, spectroscopic imaging can provide information on the biochemistry, and structure organization of the cellular, extracellular matrix and biomaterial scaffolds that make up engineered tissues. We find that distinct spectral shifts characterize the secondary structure of biomaterial silk scaffolds, as well as the differentiation status of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. The knowledge we gain is relevant not only for the optimization of tissue regeneration, but also for disease diagnostic and therapeutic applications.