MRI: Acquisition of a Micro-CT system for 3D tissue and materials structure analysis

该研究项目涉及获得一种高分辨率、非破坏性的三维标本显微计算机断层扫描（micro-CT）成像仪器，以研究三维生物材料以及动植物组织的结构。这种最先进的仪器是全州范围内的资源，可供整个南达科他州地区的所有研究人员使用。收购的micro-CT显著增强了三所研究型大学的基础设施和合作氛围，即南达科他州大学、南达科他州州立大学和南达科他州矿业与技术学院，以及非营利性研究组织桑福德研究所。该仪器使更多的成功的研究项目和未来的科学家和工程师的培训。这个仪器采购项目利用了长期存在的全州网络，由NSF EPSCoR，NSF REU和NIH IDEA生物医学研究卓越计划网络支持，以吸引新的教师研究人员，并激励年轻人从事STEM研究和职业。所获得的仪器使得能够进行重要的研究，这些研究有望有助于对确定各种组织发育的信号传导途径的基本理解（例如，骨、血管、肿瘤和植物根系）以及材料和组织的结构与功能的关系。micro-CT仪器实现的具体项目包括：1）通过创新的骨基质模拟三维支架调节成体干细胞功能; 2）用于骨修复的新型抗菌材料的成像; 3）人类牙齿牙本质小管中脱敏和再矿化支架的工程化; 4）Notch信号通路在骨发育和肿瘤发生中的作用的研究; 5）Notch信号通路在骨发育和肿瘤发生中的作用的研究。5）开发创新的3D静电纺丝纳米纤维聚合物/矿物复合材料支架; 6）鉴定miRNA在大豆结节发育中的作用;以及7）放射治疗对健康和癌性骨的影响的生物力学研究。这些研究结果为创新生物材料和新药的开发奠定了基础。该奖项由工程助理主任办公室资助。

This research project involves acquiring a high-resolution, non-destructive 3-dimensional specimen micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging instrument to study the structure of 3-dimensional biomaterials as well as animal and plant tissues. This state-of-the-art instrument is a state-wide resource available to all researchers across the South Dakota region. The acquired micro-CT significantly enhances the infrastructure and collaborative atmosphere in three research universities, namely the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, as well as the non-profit research organization, Sanford Research. This instrument enables an increased number of successful research projects and the training of future scientists and engineers. This instrument-acquisition project leverages the long-standing state-wide network, enabled by the NSF EPSCoR, the NSF REU, and the NIH IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence programs, to attract new faculty researchers and to inspire young people in STEM studies and careers. The acquired instrumentation enables important studies expected to contribute to the fundamental understanding of the signaling pathways in determination of a variety of tissue development (e.g., bone, blood vessel, tumor and plant root system) and the relationships between the structure and function of materials and tissues. The specific projects enabled by the micro-CT instrument include: 1) Modulation of adult stem cell functions by innovative bone-matrix mimicking 3-dimensional scaffolds; 2) Imaging of novel antibacterial materials for bone repair; 3) Engineering of desensitizing and remineralizing scaffolds in the dentinal tubules of human teeth; 4) Study of the role of Notch signaling pathway in bone development and tumorigenesis; 5) Development of innovative 3D electrospun nanofibrous polymer/mineral composite scaffolds; 6) Identification of the role of miRNAs in soybean nodule development; and 7) Biomechanical investigation of the effect of irradiation therapy on healthy and cancerous bone. Results from these studies form the foundation for the development of innovative biomaterials and new drugs. This award is funded by the Office of Assistant Director of Engineering.