Fully automated OCT-based tissue screening system

Opt Lett. 2024 Aug 15;49(16):4481-4484. doi: 10.1364/OL.530281.

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system dedicated to high-throughput screening applications using ex vivo tissue culture. Leveraging OCT's non-invasive, high-resolution capabilities, the system is equipped with a custom-designed motorized platform and tissue detection ability for automated, successive imaging across samples. Transformer-based deep-learning segmentation algorithms further ensure robust, consistent, and efficient readouts meeting the standards for screening assays. Validated using retinal explant cultures from a mouse model of retinal degeneration, the system provides robust, rapid, reliable, unbiased, and comprehensive readouts of tissue response to treatments. This fully automated OCT-based system marks a significant advancement in tissue screening, promising to transform drug discovery, as well as other relevant research fields.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Automation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Mice
  • Retina / diagnostic imaging
  • Retinal Degeneration / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence* / methods