When: April 14th, 2026
Where: PSE 2317
Beyond static imaging : Structural and functional insights through X-ray microCT
Abstract :
In this seminar, Marketa Kaiser and Jakub Salplachta will talk about X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) is a powerful, non-destructive imaging technique that provides micrometer-scale 3D visualization of the samples. Advances in X-ray sources, detectors, and reconstruction methods have expanded the range of biological specimens that can be imaged, from mineralized structures such as bone and teeth to soft tissues enhanced with contrast agents. Beyond static imaging, microCT supports in-situ and time-resolved experiments under controlled conditions. Cryogenic microCT preserves native tissue structure for high-resolution imaging of delicate soft tissues, while in-situ mechanical testing links microstructure to deformation, strain, and failure at the microscale. This talk will discuss relevant sample preparation strategies for both conventional and in-situ imaging and demonstrate their application across multiple biological systems. Case studies will include 3D visualization and quantification of cartilaginous structures, imaging of individual muscle fibers, and microCT-guided in-situ experiments. Collectively, these examples illustrate how microCT not only reveals biological form in unprecedented detail but also enables functional and mechanistic investigations, underscoring its growing role as a key tool in modern biological imaging and experimental design.
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Biography
Marketa Kaiser and Jakub Salplachta come from the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC BUT) in Czechia. Marketa completed her studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, while Jakub graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication. Despite their different academic backgrounds, both pursued their PhD research at the Laboratory of X-ray Computed micro- and nanotomography at CEITEC BUT. Following her PhD, Marketa focused on biological research projects in collaboration with renowned biological research groups across Europe. Her work has explored a wide range of biological structures: From cartilage development in mouse embryos, through studies of salamander regeneration, to her current research on coral imaging. In contrast, after completing his PhD, Jakub transitioned into entrepreneurship and now serves as CEO of CactuX, a technology-driven company specializing in the development and production of advanced X-ray solutions for research and industrial applications.