Advances of Synchrotron Radiation-Based X-Ray Imaging in Biomedical Research

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Background

Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray imaging is widely used to cover applications in biomedical fields. Imaging with synchrotron light entails a series of advantages such as i) implementation of phase contrast techniques to enhance the contrast visualization of low absorbing samples thanks to the high spatial coherence of the beam; ii) reduced exposure times and opportunity of in-situ studies thanks to the high fluxes and the high brilliance of the source; iii) possibility of monochromaticity to carry out quantitative evaluations, typical for instance in spectral imaging.

Specifically, synchrotron radiation-based X-ray phase contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) has become a well-established tool to inspect the three-dimensional morphology of tissues, organs, and biomaterials at high spatial and contrast resolutions. In addition, the combined use of artificial intelligence with PC-CT, or similarly with other X-ray imaging techniques, fosters the development of new processing methodologies aiming to improve image quality, feature detection, segmentation, and co-registration.

In general, synchrotron radiation-based X-ray imaging plays a crucial role in medical imaging research. Advances in diagnostic imaging are fundamental to the early detection of markers in several pathologies and neurodegenerative diseases, to assess therapeutic strategies, to develop soft tissue and osteo-articular engineering, and to characterize innovative biomaterials such as bioinks, scaffolds, 3D printed tissues, wound healing dressings, biocompatible implants and screws. Moreover, the development of new imaging technologies, including detectors and dedicated setups for in-situ analysis, makes an impact on biomedical research as well as novel image processing approaches. The goal of this collection is to highlight recent advances in synchrotron radiation-based X-ray imaging in the framework of preclinical, clinical, and biomedical applications.

This special issue invites contributors to submit original articles and reviews describing the use of synchrotron radiation-based X-ray imaging in the framework of biomedical projects, including studies part of multi-modal investigations. This Research Topic welcomes as well the development of methodologies and technology for X-ray imaging, the progress of phase contrast techniques, in-situ studies, and novel image processing approaches based on artificial intelligence. The list of topics may include, but is not limited to, the following research themes:

-tissues and organs imaging (in vitro, ex-vivo, in vivo studies);

-imaging of cells and organoids;

-computed tomography;

-preclinical and clinical applications;

-multimodal imaging;

-methods of phase contrast and phase retrieval;

-in-situ investigations;

-spectral imaging;

-instrumental developments and detectors;

-image processing;

-computing approaches based on artificial intelligence.

Keywords: X-ray imaging, X-ray computed tomography (CT), Phase contrast techniques, Preclinical, clinical and biomedical applications, Artificial intelligence

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