IMACEL: A cloud-based bioimage analysis platform for morphological analysis and image classification

PLoS One. 2019 Feb 22;14(2):e0212619. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212619. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Automated quantitative image analysis is essential for all fields of life science research. Although several software programs and algorithms have been developed for bioimage processing, an advanced knowledge of image processing techniques and high-performance computing resources are required to use them. Hence, we developed a cloud-based image analysis platform called IMACEL, which comprises morphological analysis and machine learning-based image classification. The unique click-based user interface of IMACEL's morphological analysis platform enables researchers with limited resources to evaluate particles rapidly and quantitatively without prior knowledge of image processing. Because all the image processing and machine learning algorithms are performed on high-performance virtual machines, users can access the same analytical environment from anywhere. A validation study of the morphological analysis and image classification of IMACEL was performed. The results indicate that this platform is an accessible and potentially powerful tool for the quantitative evaluation of bioimages that will lower the barriers to life science research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cloud Computing*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Machine Learning*
  • Software*

Grants and funding

Funded by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI. URL: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/. Grant Numbers: JP16H06280 (S. H.) 70578559 (N. K.) 16J06044 (K. K.). Source: Research and Development Division, LPixel Inc. Role: The funder, LPixel Inc., provided support in the form of salaries for authors Y.S., K.S., H.K., and N.K., but all of the funder did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are provided in the ‘author contributions’ section.