Evaluating Mineral Deposition in Bone-Regenerative Collagen-Based Scaffolds Using High-Resolution microCT and 3D Computational Segmentation.

Abstract

Bone regeneration depends on coordinated interactions among cells, extracellular matrices, and the dynamic microenvironment within engineered constructs. Mineralized collagen-glycosaminoglycan (MC-GAG) scaffolds are designed to replicate key features of native bone matrix, yet their mineral accumulation and mechanical performance remain lower than those of mature bone, making precise evaluation of mineral deposition essential. High-resolution microCT imaging provides nondestructive, three-dimensional (3D) visualization of mineral distribution, density, and microarchitecture with substantially improved fidelity. Through dynamic, angle-dependent calibration and scan-specific recalibration, our microCT scanner HiCT minimizes motion- and temperature-related artifacts and enables consistent, high-resolution imaging suitable for small scaffold systems. This protocol outlines an integrated workflow combining high-resolution microCT scanning with advanced image segmentation to assess mineralization within MC-GAG scaffolds. The method includes scaffold fabrication, chemical cross-linking, and human mesenchymal stem cell culture, followed by stable positioning in custom 3D-printed racks to ensure precise imaging geometry. Reconstruction and threshold-based segmentation in a DICOM viewer such as ORS Dragonfly allow separation of scaffold structure from higher-density mineral phases, providing detailed visualization and quantitative analysis of mineral deposition. This reproducible framework enhances the characterization of bone-regenerative biomaterials and supports efforts to engineer scaffolds that more closely mimic the structural and functional properties of native bone. © 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Fabrication of bone regenerative mineralized collagen scaffolds Basic Protocol 2: High-resolution microCT scanning and microstructural analysis of the MC-GAG scaffolds.