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

这项研究项目包括获得一台高分辨率、无损的三维标本微型计算机断层成像(Micro-CT)成像设备，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，可供南达科他州地区的所有研究人员使用。收购的Micro-CT大大加强了三所研究型大学的基础设施和合作气氛，这三所大学分别是南达科他大学、南达科他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。这一仪器使更多的成功研究项目和未来科学家和工程师的培训成为可能。这个仪器采购项目利用了由NSF EPSCoR、NSF REU和NIH IDEA生物医学研究卓越计划支持的长期的全州网络，以吸引新的教职研究人员，并激励年轻人从事STEM研究和职业生涯。获得的仪器使重要的研究成为可能，这些研究有望有助于在确定各种组织发育(例如，骨、血管、肿瘤和植物根系)以及材料和组织的结构和功能之间的关系时从根本上理解信号通路。微型CT仪器实现的具体项目包括：1)通过模拟三维支架的创新骨基质调制成人干细胞功能；2)对新型抗菌材料进行骨修复成像；3)对人类牙本质小管中的支架进行脱敏和再矿化工程；4)研究Notch信号通路在骨发育和肿瘤发生中的作用；5)开发创新的3D静电纺丝纳米纤维聚合物/矿物复合支架；6)鉴定miRNAs在大豆结节发育中的作用；以及7)放射治疗对健康骨和癌变骨的影响的生物力学研究。这些研究的结果构成了创新生物材料和新药开发的基础。该奖项由工程署助理署长办公室资助。

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.