Why are Life Science Research Laboratories Investing Their Funds in Automated Microscopy?

Key Takeaways

• Introduction
• Role of AI and ML in automated microscopy
• Innovative product launches in the sector

Microscopes are one of the most common equipment found in chemical and biological laboratories. They aid in investigating the structure of various objects, both living and non-living, at a cellular level. Depending on the lens power and other such parameters, traditional microscopes can be classified into several types such as optical microscope, electron microscope, etc. However, one characteristic feature of these traditional microscopes is that they operate manually; meaning all the functions, from slide examination to appropriate lens selection, are done by the microscope user. However, in the past few years, with advancements in digital electronics and the emergence of innovative technologies, the concept of automated microscopy has come up.

Analyzing the reasons behind the rising adoption of automated microscopy by research laboratories

Automated microscopy is a comprehensive term that encompasses the automation of different microscope functionalities like image capture and image analysis. Moreover, automation of the entire workflow associated with image acquisition, live image data processing, and real-time evaluation is also covered under automated microscopy. Thus, apart from human intervention at the stage of image production, every other process is automated through this new technology.

The advent of automation in the field of microscopy can be traced back to the development of a television-based analyzer by Metals Research of Cambridge, England in 1962. Called the Quantitative Television Microscope, this device was designed to analyze microscope images using automation technologies. Since then, the science of microscopy has come a long way; today, automation in this sphere helps the user to set focus, decide shutter parameters, select wavelengths, etc.

The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning has completely transformed the field of automated microscopy. The use of machine learning algorithms has proven to be extremely beneficial in the accurate analysis of images and in producing consistent results. Also, these algorithms can process huge amounts of data in a short period, thereby producing quick results. Furthermore, the use of AI tools in microscopy reduced the dependence on manual training required for using advanced automated microscopes. Since the need for training is done away with, the technology can be used by a larger pool of laboratory technicians.

Also, AI tools and machine learning algorithms can be altered and redesigned as per the changing criteria and evolving protocols associated with image processing techniques. Thus, automated microscopy allows the scientific study of a wide range of samples that too by using consistent analytical methodologies. Automated microscopes also help store processed data directly on the cloud. Also, documents and research papers can be accessed without scanning through physical records. This functionality of instant archival aids researchers in quick decision-making and deciding upon the future course of analysis.

Decoding the role played by private companies in increasing the revenue share of the industry

Many biomedical instrumentation and biotechnology companies in the past few years have launched several advanced products in the automated microscopy industry. For instance, in May 2020, Miltenyi Biotec, a major biotechnology company, announced the launch of the world’s first automated light sheet microscope. Called UltraMicroscope Blaze, this product is specifically designed to advance research in the fields of immuno-oncology and neuroscience. The launch of this automated microscope is, thus, expected to open new avenues of growth in the sector.

In March 2021, EUROIMMUN, a diagnostic laboratory equipment manufacturer, announced the launch of EUROPattern Microscope Live (EPML), an advanced immunofluorescence microscope. This microscope is designed for immunofluorescence image acquisition and processing and employs certain specialized techniques to achieve this aim. The product launch is expected to help the company address the demands of various life science research laboratories in the coming period.

Similarly, in October 2022, Thermo Fisher, a leading biotech firm, announced the launch of Arctis Cryo-PFIB, an automated and connected microscope. This advanced microscope is designed for research in the sphere of cryo-electron tomography. Experts have opined that this product will help in furthering cell biology research including studies on infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.

To conclude, the growth of the automated microscope can be attributed to the rise in demand for and adoption of automated microscopes in several research laboratories across the world. The use of machine learning algorithms and AI-based tools has enabled researchers to widen the scope of their study and thus increased the trust in this innovative technology. The launch of several advanced products is estimated to augment the growth rate of the sector in the years to come.

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