4C-4 B-Mode and C-Mode Imaging of Regenerated 3D Skin Model with 100 MHz Ultrasound

Regenerated skin with 3D structure is desired for the treatment of large burn and for the plastic surgery. High frequency ultrasound is suitable for non-destructive testing of the skin model because it provides information on morphology and mechanical properties. An acoustic microscope system capable of imaging B-mode and C-mode was developed for analysis of 3D skin model. C-mode imaging provided quantitative values of attenuation and sound speed. B-mode imaging showed fine structure of the model. Sound speed in C-mode and intensity in B-mode imaging showed higher values at the area of dense fibroblasts. The system can be used as the nondestructive evaluation tool in the process of producing 3D skin model and as the in vivo imaging system after transplantation.