Automated detection of isolated single cells using microscope images and AI

A research team, led by Professor Moeto Nagai and comprised of researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Electronic Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS), Toyohashi University of Technology, has successfully used AI to achieve single-cell isolation. The method involves using microwells to isolate single cells and then applying deep learning to the microscopic images containing single cells in the microwells. The machine learning model prepared by the team makes it possible to automatically detect single cells in microscopic images and reduce human effort. The acquisition of a large volume of single-cell data allows researchers to efficiently investigate the characteristics and functions of individual cells, which can lead to the establishment of new treatment methods. A cell is the most basic unit of life, and elucidation of cell characteristics can contribute to a better understanding of diseased cells and thus to the development of new treatment methods.