Analysis of live cell images: Methods, tools and opportunities

Methods. 2017 Feb 15:115:65-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.02.007. Epub 2017 Feb 27.

Abstract

Advances in optical microscopy, biosensors and cell culturing technologies have transformed live cell imaging. Thanks to these advances live cell imaging plays an increasingly important role in basic biology research as well as at all stages of drug development. Image analysis methods are needed to extract quantitative information from these vast and complex data sets. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available image analysis methods for live cell imaging, in particular required preprocessing image segmentation, cell tracking and data visualisation methods. The potential opportunities recent advances in machine learning, especially deep learning, and computer vision provide are being discussed. This review includes overview of the different available software packages and toolkits.

Keywords: Biological image analysis; Cell segmentation; Cell tracking; Live cell imaging; Machine learning; Quantitative biological imaging.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Tracking / instrumentation
  • Cell Tracking / methods
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism
  • Eukaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Machine Learning*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Molecular Imaging / instrumentation
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  • Software*