1. Scope
To describe how to quantify the amount of mineralized matrix deposited in vitro by progenitor cells cultured under osteogenic conditions using image analysis of fluorescently stained mineral. This practice specifies how to determine the area percentage of fluorescently-stained mineralized matrix using image analysis of microscopy images of the cultures.
The standard practice is needed because there is confusion in the field about how to assess the quantity of mineralized matrix in progenitor cell cultures that have been exposed to osteogenic medium. Quantity of mineralized matrix is an important parameter because it can be indicative of osteoblast differentiation capability of the progenitor cells being tested if it is done correctly. Regulatory agencies, general researchers, and corporate scientists can use this practice, along with other measures, to obtain data in order to compare the differences in osteoblast differentiation between various cells such as mesenchymal stem cells.
Keywords
osteoblast differentiation; mesenchymal stem cells; osteogenesis; mineralization; bone; image analysis
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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