Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT

Name: High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT
Uploaded: 2026-06-24
Duration: 8 min 57 s
Description: Non-destructive volume visualization can be achieved only by tomographic techniques, of which the most efficient is the x-ray micro computerized ...

DOI: 10.3791/2688-v

What you'll learn

✓ Prepare mineralized and non-mineralized biological samples for micro-CT imaging.
✓ Configure acquisition parameters and position samples for optimal tomographic scanning.
✓ Acquire and interpret high-resolution 3D volumetric images of ex-vivo tissues.

Protocol

Non-destructive volume visualization can be achieved only by tomographic techniques, of which the most efficient is the x-ray micro computerized tomography ( CT).

Difficulty

intermediate

Total time

~1–2 hours per sample (including preparation, acquisition, and reconstruction)

Model organism

Mouse, Rat

Steps

Prepare mineralized sample from mouse femur

Extract and clean mouse femur bone tissue, removing excess soft tissue. Ensure the sample is dry and stable for mounting in the micro-CT scanner.

▶ 01:16

Prepare non-mineralized sample from rat lungs

Harvest rat lung tissue and prepare for imaging using contrast-enhancement or fixation protocols appropriate for soft tissue visualization in micro-CT.

▶ 02:12

Set acquisition parameters for tomography

Configure voltage, current, exposure time, and voxel resolution on the micro-CT system based on sample type and desired image quality.

▶ 03:04

Position sample in imaging chamber

Mount the prepared sample securely in the micro-CT scanner chamber, ensuring proper alignment with the rotation axis and X-ray beam.

▶ 04:41

Execute tomography scan and calibration

Run system calibration, perform the tomographic scan by rotating the sample through 360°, and acquire radiographic projections for 3D reconstruction.

▶ 05:47

Reconstruct and visualize 3D volumetric images

Process acquired projections through reconstruction algorithms to generate high-resolution 3D volumetric datasets and render cross-sectional and surface visualizations.

▶ 07:13

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