Basis of Image Analysis for Evaluating Cell Biomaterial Interaction Using Brightfield Microscopy

Medical imaging is a growing field that has stemmed from the need to conduct noninvasive diagnosis, monitoring, and analysis of biological systems. With the developments and advances in the medical field and the new techniques that are used in the intervention of diseases, very soon the prevalence of implanted biomedical devices will be even more significant. The implanted materials in a biological system are used in diverse fields, which require lengthy evaluation and validation processes. However, currently the evaluation of the toxicity of biomaterials has not been fully automated yet. Moreover, image analysis is an integral part of biomaterial research, but it is not within the core capacities of a significant portion of biomaterial scientists, which results in the use of predominantly ready-made tools. The detailed image analysis can be conducted once all the relevant parameters including the inherent characteristics of image acquisition techniques are considered. Herein, we cover the currently used image analysis-based techniques for assessment of biomaterial/cell interaction with a specific focus on unstained brightfield microscopy acquired mostly in but not limited to microfluidic systems, which serve as multiparametric sensing platforms for noninvasive experimental measurements. We present the major imaging acquisition techniques that enable point-of-care testing when incorporated with microfluidic cells, discuss the constraints enforced by the geometry of the system and the material that is analyzed, and the challenges that rise in the image analysis when unstained cell imaging is employed. Emerging techniques such as utilization of machine learning and cell-specific pattern recognition algorithms and potential future directions are discussed. Automation and optimization of biomaterial assessment can facilitate the discovery of novel biomaterials together with making the validation of biomedical innovations cheaper and faster.

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Point-of-Care Tests for Hepatitis B: An Overview

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9102233 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 2233

Author(s):

Yinzong Xiao ◽

Alexander J. Thompson ◽

Jessica Howell

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Technology Implementation ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

Future Directions ◽

Blood Tests ◽

Laboratory Facilities ◽

Regulatory Bodies ◽

Hard To Reach Populations ◽

Point Of Care Tests

Despite the heavy disease burden posed by hepatitis B, around 90% of people living with hepatitis B are not diagnosed globally. Many of the affected populations still have limited or no access to essential blood tests for hepatitis B. Compared to conventional blood tests which heavily rely on centralised laboratory facilities, point-of-care testing for hepatitis B has the potential to broaden testing access in low-resource settings and to engage hard-to-reach populations. Few hepatitis B point-of-care tests have been ratified for clinical use by international and regional regulatory bodies, and countries have been slow to adopt point-of-care testing into hepatitis B programs. This review presents currently available point-of-care tests for hepatitis B and their roles in the care cascade, reviewing evidence for testing performance, utility, acceptability, costs and cost-effectiveness when integrated into hepatitis B diagnosis and monitoring programs. We further discuss challenges and future directions in aspects of technology, implementation, and regulation when adopting point-of-care testing in hepatitis B programs.

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Flexible Biosensors Based on Colorimetry, Fluorescence, and Electrochemistry for Point-of-Care Testing

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology ◽

10.3389/fbioe.2021.753692 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Tingyi Yan ◽

Guangyao Zhang ◽

Huining Chai ◽

Lijun Qu ◽

Xueji Zhang

Keyword(s):

High Efficiency ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Wearable Devices ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

User Friendliness ◽

Feature Article ◽

Sensing Platforms ◽

Simple Detection

With the outbreak and pandemic of COVID-19, point-of-care testing (POCT) systems have been attracted much attention due to their significant advantages of small batches of samples, user-friendliness, easy-to-use and simple detection. Among them, flexible biosensors show practical significance as their outstanding properties in terms of flexibility, portability, and high efficiency, which provide great convenience for users. To construct highly functional flexible biosensors, abundant kinds of polymers substrates have been modified with sufficient properties to address certain needs. Paper-based biosensors gain considerable attention as well, owing to their foldability, lightweight and adaptability. The other important flexible biosensor employs textiles as substrate materials, which has a promising prospect in the area of intelligent wearable devices. In this feature article, we performed a comprehensive review about the applications of flexible biosensors based on the classification of substrate materials (polymers, paper and textiles), and illustrated the strategies to design effective and artificial sensing platforms, including colorimetry, fluorescence, and electrochemistry. It is demonstrated that flexible biosensors play a prominent role in medical diagnosis, prognosis, and healthcare.

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Trends in Multiplex Immunoassays for In Vitro Diagnostics and Point-of-Care Testing

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11091630 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1630

Author(s):

Sandeep Kumar Vashist

Keyword(s):

Clinical Utility ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Complex Diseases ◽

Clinical Score ◽

Single Sample ◽

In Vitro Diagnostics ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

Future Directions ◽

Wide Range

The tremendous advances in multiplex immunoassays (MIAs) are leading to novel in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and point-of-care testing (POCT). MIAs can simultaneously detect numerous analytes in a single sample, which facilitates the diagnosis of many complex diseases. Various clinical score-based diagnostic algorithms have already been developed for several complex diseases, where the clinical score is determined by assigning appropriate weightage to various biomarkers based on their contribution to the disease. Despite a wide range of MIA formats being developed, only a few have been commercialized. There is a need for considerable improvements in MIAs so that they are analytically superior and can compete with the most extensively used automated IAs. The readout of most MIAs is still completed by bulky and expensive reader devices, which emphasizes the need for compact, handheld multiplex readers. Further, the clinical utility, reimbursement models, pathophysiological range of analytes, nature and dilution of samples, and the reagents used to develop an MIA need to be analyzed stringently. This manuscript provides guided insights into MIA formats and discusses the challenges and future directions.

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Magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidics-based diagnostics: an appraisal

Nanomedicine ◽

10.2217/nnm-2021-0007 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Smriti Sharma ◽

Vinayak Bhatia

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽

Low Income ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Microfluidic Devices ◽

Point Of Care Testing ◽

Microfluidic Mixing ◽

Future Directions ◽

Sensing Systems ◽

On Chip

The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in microfluidics based diagnostics is a classic case of micro-, nano- and bio-technology coming together to design extremely controllable, reproducible, and scalable nano and micro ‘ on-chip bio sensing systems.’ In this review, applications of MNPs in microfluidics ranging from molecular diagnostics and immunodiagnostics to clinical uses have been examined. In addition, microfluidic mixing and capture of analytes using MNPs, and MNPs as carriers in microfluidic devices has been investigated. Finally, the challenges and future directions of this upcoming field have been summarized. The use of MNP-based microfluidic devices, will help in developing decentralized or ‘ point of care’ testing globally, contributing to affordable healthcare, particularly, for middle- and low-income developing countries.

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