Analyzing 3D Nanostructures of Biological Materials and Objects via Scanning- and Optical-Probe Nanotomography

Abstract

The authors consider current ways of studying the 3D nanostructure of  biomaterials and biological objects based on scanning probe nanotomography—a combination of fluorescence microscopy, probe microscopy, and ultramicrotomy. Results are presented from experiments to study the 3D nanostructure of composite scaffolds based on Bombyx mori silk fibroin and microparticles of an extracellular matrix obtained from decellularized liver tissue. Such scaffolds have great potential for using in regenerative medicine. It is shown that probe nanotomography allows effective analysis of the 3D nanostructure of microinclusions and their morphological parameters that influence the biological activity of products.