Development of convolutional neural networks for recognition of tenogenic differentiation based on cellular morphology.

Journal: Computer methods and programs in biomedicine
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of automated systems for image recognition is highly preferred for regenerative medicine applications to evaluate stem cell differentiation early in the culturing state with non-invasive methodologies instead of invasive counterparts. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are able to differentiate into desired cell phenotypes, and thereby promise a proper cell source for tendon regeneration. The therapeutic success of stem cell therapy requires cellular characterization prior to the implantation of cells. The foremost problem is that traditional characterization techniques require cellular material which would be more useful for cell therapy, complex laboratory procedures, and human expertise. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a class of deep neural networks, have recently made great improvements in image-based classifications, recognition, and detection tasks. We, therefore, aim to develop a potential CNN model in order to recognize differentiated stem cells by learning features directly from image data of unlabelled cells.

Authors

  • Gözde Dursun
    Institute of General Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
  • Saurabh Balkrishna Tandale
    Institute of General Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
  • Rutwik Gulakala
    Institute of General Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
  • Jörg Eschweiler
    Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
  • Mersedeh Tohidnezhad
    Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
  • Bernd Markert
    Institute of General Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Germany.
  • Marcus Stoffel
    Institute of General Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: stoffel@iam.rwth-aachen.de.