Abstract

Tissue engineered constructs can be employed to graft wounds or replace diseased tissue. Non-invasive methods are required to assess cellular viability in these constmcts both pre- and post- implantation into patients. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations and fluorescence experiments were executed on ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) constmcts to investigate the fluorescence emitted at 355 nm excitation from these constmcts. Both simulations and experiments indicated the need to investigate alternative excitation wavelengths in order to increase the cellular fluorescence from these constmcts, while decreasing contributions from extra-cellular fluorophores.

© 2007 SPIE