Monitoring bone fetal cells seeded in PLA scaffolds using bioluminescence imaging

In our laboratory, we have shown previously that bone fetal cells enhance osteogenesis in polymeric scaffolds. However, little is known about the longevity of these cells in vivo, and hence their function. A successful tissue engineering approach needs understanding the role osteoinductive cells as well as optimization of their durability in the scaffold. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a potent non-invasive imaging procedure which allows continuous assessing of the behavior of cells in vivo. A collaboration has been made with University Hospital of Geneva, where they have successfully developed a technique for screening myoblasts in vivo using BLI. The goal of this project is to screen the bone fetal cells seeded in polymeric scaffolds in vitro and in vivo using BLI.