Characterization of tumor progression in engineered tissue using infrared spectroscopic imaging

Engineered tissues can provide models for imaging and disease progression and the use of such models is becoming increasingly prevalent. While structural characterization of these systems is documented, a combination of biochemical and structural knowledge is often helpful. Here, we apply Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging to examine an engineered tissue model of melanoma. We first characterize the biochemical properties and spectral changes in different layers of growing skin. Second, we introduce malignant melanocytes to simulate tumor formation and growth. Both cellular changes associated with tumor formation and growth can be observed. In particular, chemical changes associated with tumor-stromal interactions are observed during the course of tumor growth and appear to influence a 50-100 mm region. The development of this analytical approach combining engineered tissue with spectroscopy, imaging and computation will allow for quality control and standardization in tissue engineering and novel scientific insight in cancer progression.