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MicroCT Imaging Facility

MicroCT Imaging Facility

The UConn Health MicroCT Imaging Facility specializes in quantitative 3-dimensional imaging using x-rays. Our most common projects involve morphometric and densitometric analyses of mineralized tissues from model organisms. In addition to bones and teeth, we provide nondestructive scans of biomaterials, museum artifacts, and industrial products with micrometer-scale resolution. We operate 3 Scanco µCT instruments and have an arrangement of micromechanical testing devices to allow detailed assessment of structure and function.

Visit Facility Homepage

Contacts

Benjamin Sinder, M.D., Ph.D.

Director
bsinder@uchc.edu 
860.679.6026

Renata Rydzik

Research Assistant
rrydzik@uchc.edu
860.679.8711

Instrumentation

Scanco

Scanco µCT50 (Excised Specimens)

  • Max spatial resolution: 2 µm (10% MTF); Max nominal resolution (voxel size) 0.5 µm
  • Max voltage: 100 kVp; Max current: 200 µA at all energies; 3400 x 1200-element detector
  • Optional compression/tension stage can apply up to 500N load (±1%) and 9mm displacement (±0.02mm)
  • Optional temperature stage allows small samples to be heated/cooled ±15°C from ambient temperature
  • Appropriate for all specimens compatible with µCT40

For up to date rates please visit here

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Scanco µCT40 (Excised Specimens)

  • Max spatial resolution: 8 µm (10% MTF); Max nominal resolution (voxel size) 3 µm
  • Max Voltage: 70 kVp; Max current 177 µA at lowest energy; 2048 x 256-element detector
  • Field of view: 10-40 mm diameter × 70 mm length
  • Quantitative analysis of bone architecture (cortical and trabecular measurements)
  • Rodent bone morphometry, fracture repair, tissue engineering constructs
  • Contrast-enhanced imaging of tumors and vasculature
  • High-contrast imaging of heavy metal-stained organs, embryos, marrow adipocytes
  • Select applications in materials science, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and museum/educational pieces
  • Scan time scales with resolution and field of view height. As an example, a set of 4 full-length mouse femurs, at 16 µm resolution, takes approximately 110 minutes of scan time. The same scan at 8 µm resolution takes twice as long.

For up to date rates please visit here

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Scanco VivaCT40 (Live Animals)

  • Field of view: 20-40 mm diameter × 140 mm length
  • Spatial resolution: 10 µm to 40 µm
  • Longitudinal quantitation of bone morphometry (best suited for cranial imaging)
  • Contrast-enhanced imaging of vasculature, tumors, etc.
  • Primarily used for in vivo imaging of mice (or small rats) under isoflurane anesthesia.
  • IACUC approval is required for all procedures involving live animals.

For up to date rates please visit here

TA Instruments Electroforce 3200 (Biomechanical Testing)

  • Currently set up for 3-point bending (failure testing) of mouse long bones.
  • High-resolution, low force, small displacement
  • Axial and rotary actuators (tension, compression, flexure, torsion)
  • Resolution and control to 10 µm in position, 50 mg force

Bose SLM090 (Biomechanical Testing)

  • Currently set up for torsional testing of mouse long bones (fracture healing).
  • High torque servo motor: up to 56 lbf-in and up to 4000 rpm
  • 2 Nm MRT flange-style reaction torque transducer

CSM Nanoscratch (Biomechanical Testing)

  • Please inquire if you are interested in using this instrument.

Other Project Support Infrastructure

  • Sherline 4400 3" x 17" tabletop CNC lathe: not set up--contact if interested
  • Sherline 2000 8-direction tabletop CNC mill: not set up--contact if interested
  • Various rotary tools (Dremel)

Mailing Address

Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, MC 4037
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT  06030-4037