Figure 3. Ex vivo MRI of implanted cells.
SPGR imaging (TE/TR=6.7/15ms) of (a) unlabeled MSCs; and (b) MPIO-labeled MSCs. Labeled cells are visible as a distinct void with blooming artifact, as compared to unlabeled cells that appear to have a similar SI as native cartilage. Colormap overlaid on the SPGR image of (c) unlabeled MSCs; and (d) MPIO-labeled MSCs. The colorbar shows the associated T1r values (ms). Both unlabeled cells and labeled cells in the Puramatrix hydrogel show elevated T1r values compared to native cartilage. (5×106cells/mL)