Image Processing Software in Antibody-based Techniques
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Antibody-based techniques such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunocytochemistry (ICC), and Western blot have become indispensable tools in the field of biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. These techniques are used for a variety of purposes to exploit the principle of antibodies specifically binding to antigens present in tissue or cell samples.
According to a report published by Spherical Insight & Consulting the global market for antibodies is estimated to grow to $859 billion in value by 2030, indicating an increasing demand and reliance on antibody-based methods. This growth is largely driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and arthritis.
However, the data generated from these techniques are often complex and voluminous. Analysing these results manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This is where image processing software comes into play. These software tools can automate the analysis process, providing accurate and reproducible results in a fraction of the time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how these tools are transforming biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, contributing to advancements in healthcare and medicine. More specifically we will examine BIOVIA’s Pipeline Pilot, a software that has been designed with these challenges in mind.
Here are a few different use cases where image processing software can help:
Cancer Research
In cancer research, antibody-based techniques like Immunohistochemistry (IHC) are used to detect the presence and location of specific proteins in tissue samples. Image processing software can automate the analysis of these images, identifying areas of interest, quantifying protein expression, and providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of cancer.
Drug Discovery
In the field of drug discovery, antibody-based techniques such as Western blot are used to measure the response of proteins to potential therapeutic compounds. Image processing software can streamline this process by automating the measurement and comparison of protein bands, accelerating the pace of drug discovery.
Disease Diagnosis
Antibody-based techniques are also used in the diagnosis of diseases. For example, Immunocytochemistry (ICC) can be used to detect specific antigens in a patient’s cells. Image processing software can enhance this process by providing precise, reproducible measurements of antigen presence and distribution, aiding in accurate disease diagnosis.
Here are a few highlights:
Source Data Flexibly
Pipeline Pilot can retrieve images from a variety of sources, databases, and formats. This is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets from different antibody-based techniques.
Automate Image Processing
The software can perform geometric transformations, filtering, contrast enhancement, and more. This automation can save valuable time and ensure consistency in the processing of images.
Streamline Analysis
Pipeline Pilot is capable of image segmentation, classification, complex multi-channel measurements, and annotation. These features allow for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of the images.
Scale for Big Data
The software supports large images (e.g., tissue slides, confocal microscopy, etc.) and high-performance computing (HPC) and grid systems. This is crucial when dealing with the large volumes of data typically generated by antibody-based techniques.
Simplify Deep Learning
Pipeline Pilot allows for the import and deployment of pre-trained deep learning models. This can enhance the analysis by incorporating advanced machine learning techniques.
By leveraging these capabilities, researchers can automate and streamline their image analysis workflows, leading to faster, more accurate results. This not only enhances the efficiency of research but also contributes to advancements in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
In Our Experience…
Image processing software like BIOVIA’s Pipeline Pilot plays a crucial role in analysing results from antibody-based techniques. As we continue to see growth in this field driven by various factors such as increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in production methods among others, these tools will continue to be invaluable assets for researchers worldwide.
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