Tracking therapeutic cells and their embedding scaffold using k-edge imaging in rodent models of chronic diseases : Part 2

Stem cells therapies are currently evaluated in many clinical trials. For efficient integration between the grafted cells and the host, stem cells may be embedded within a bio-engineered hydrogel. Such a combination of therapy must be carefully investigated prior to clinical transfer. The core objective of our project is to develop bi-color imaging using the next generation of computed tomography (CT) scanners: spectral single photon-counting CT (SPCCT) to follow-up the fate of stem cells on the one hand and hydrogels on the other hand during several weeks in animal models of osteoarthritis and stroke.Our ambition is to provide the proof of concept that bi-color imaging is feasible with a brain or articular radiological imaging modality and to demonstrate its added value for the evaluation of cellular therapy. In the first part, we have shown the feasibility of this approach in phantoms and ex vivo samples. In the present proposal, we aim to go further and perform an in vivo follow-up.