Deep learning-assisted low-cost autofluorescence microscopy for rapid slide-free imaging with virtual histological staining

Ivy H. M. Wong; Zhenghui Chen; Lulin Shi; Claudia T. K. Lo; Lei Kang; Weixing Dai; and Terence T. W. Wong

Deep learning-assisted low-cost autofluorescence microscopy for rapid slide-free imaging with virtual histological staining

Author : Ivy H. M. Wong, Zhenghui Chen, Lulin Shi, Claudia T. K. Lo, Lei Kang, Weixing Dai, and Terence T. W. Wong Journa Name: BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS Country : USA Volume: 15 issue: 4 Year: 2024 Views : 457

Abstract:

Slide-free imaging techniques have shown great promise in improving the histological workflow. For example, computational high-throughput autofluorescence microscopy by pattern illumination (CHAMP) has achieved high resolution with a long depth of field, which, however, requires a costly ultraviolet laser. Here, simply using a low-cost light-emitting diode (LED), we propose a deep learning-assisted framework of enhanced widefield microscopy, termed EW-LED, to generate results similar to CHAMP (the learning target). Comparing EW-LED and CHAMP, EW-LED reduces the cost by 85×, shortening the image acquisition time and computation time by 36× and 17×, respectively. This framework can be applied to other imaging modalities, enhancing widefield images for better virtual histology.