Super-resolution techniques for biomedical applications and challenges

Biomed Eng Lett. 2024 Mar 19;14(3):465-496. doi: 10.1007/s13534-024-00365-4. eCollection 2024 May.

Abstract

Super-resolution (SR) techniques have revolutionized the field of biomedical applications by detailing the structures at resolutions beyond the limits of imaging or measuring tools. These techniques have been applied in various biomedical applications, including microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray, electroencephalogram (EEG), ultrasound, etc. SR methods are categorized into two main types: traditional non-learning-based methods and modern learning-based approaches. In both applications, SR methodologies have been effectively utilized on biomedical images, enhancing the visualization of complex biological structures. Additionally, these methods have been employed on biomedical data, leading to improvements in computational precision and efficiency for biomedical simulations. The use of SR techniques has resulted in more detailed and accurate analyses in diagnostics and research, essential for early disease detection and treatment planning. However, challenges such as computational demands, data interpretation complexities, and the lack of unified high-quality data persist. The article emphasizes these issues, underscoring the need for ongoing development in SR technologies to further improve biomedical research and patient care outcomes.

Keywords: Biomedical imaging; Biomedical simulation; CT; Deep learning; ECG; EEG; Elastography; MRI; MRS; Microscopy; PET; Spectrometry; Spectroscopy; Super-resolution; Thermography; Ultrasound; X-ray.

Publication types

  • Review