Life Science Applications
X-ray CT (computed tomography) is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique. It provides fast, high-resolution imaging with little to no extensive sample preparation required by other imaging techniques, such as electron microscopy. It is a powerful technique to reveal the internal structures of life science samples, such as animals, plants, and insects. Moreover, X-ray CT experiments can be performed in situ and in vivo for these types of samples. The recent development of various contrast-enhancing techniques has extended the capability of X-ray CT (Rawson et al., (2020) BMC Biology, 18:21).
![XCT life science application category image](https://rigaku.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Rigaku%20Global%20Site/Products/Imaging%20and%20Non-destructive%20testing/X-Ray%20Computed%20Tomography/Industries/Individual%20industry%20top%20pages/XCT%20life%20science%20application%20category%20image.jpg?width=943&height=699&name=XCT%20life%20science%20application%20category%20image.jpg)
What can be analyzed?
X-ray CT can be used for:
- Insect and pest investigation
- Seed and germination analysis
- Root system investigations
- Animal imaging
- 4D examination of lung respiration
Learning resources
To learn more about CT data analysis for life science samples:
- X‑ray Computed Tomography for Materials & Life Sciences webinar series - Data Analysis
- X‑ray Computed Tomography for Materials & Life Sciences webinar series - Life Science Applications
- X‑ray Computed Tomography for Materials & Life Sciences webinar series - Plant Science Applications
- X‑ray Computed Tomography for Materials & Life Sciences webinar series - Preparing Life Science Samples
- Blog article - How to Improve X-ray Contrast for Organic Samples
To learn more about X‑ray micro-CT:
Life science application examples
Explore application examples to see if X-ray CT can help you with your research or production challenges.
What is micro-CT?
How does it work? How much does it cost? Do I need It? What are the common problems?
To learn everything you need to know about micro-CT, you can start here: What is micro-CT?
Recommended products
Rigaku's CT scanners for life science
For resolution and contrast enhancement nano3DX
Recommended when you need submicron resolution or want to enhance the contrast between similar low-density organic materials
![nano3dx_800x610w](https://rigaku.com/hubfs/2024%20Rigaku%20Global%20Site/Products/Imaging%20and%20Non-destructive%20testing/X-Ray%20Computed%20Tomography/nano3DX/nano3dx_800x610w.png)
For versatility CT Lab HX
Recommended for sample imaging that requires flexibility in sample size and resolution
![CT Lab HX130 1200w](https://rigaku.com/hubfs/2024%20Rigaku%20Global%20Site/Products/Imaging%20and%20Non-destructive%20testing/X-Ray%20Computed%20Tomography/CT%20Lab%20HX/CT%20Lab%20HX130%201200w.png)
For speed CT Lab GX
Recommended when fast scans are required for time-resolved imaging or low radiation dosage
![CT Lab GX_500w](https://rigaku.com/hubfs/2024%20Rigaku%20Global%20Site/Products/Imaging%20and%20Non-destructive%20testing/X-Ray%20Computed%20Tomography/CT%20Lab%20GX/CT%20Lab%20GX_500w.png)
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Contact Us
Whether you're interested in getting a quote, want a demo, need technical support, or simply have a question, we're here to help.
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