AnaSP: a software suite for automatic image analysis of multicellular spheroids.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• 3D cell cultures and spheroids are vital in vitro models for studying tumors and drug efficacy.
• Current quantitative analysis methods for spheroids are often expensive and require specialized equipment, limiting accessibility.
• A need exists for cost-effective, automated tools for spheroid morphological analysis in routine laboratory settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate AnaSP, an open-source software for automated spheroid morphological parameter estimation.
• To provide a user-friendly and accessible tool for researchers without specialized computer vision expertise.
• To enable quantitative analysis of spheroids using standard brightfield microscopy images.

Main Methods:

• Development of AnaSP, an open-source software solution.
• Utilizing brightfield microscopy images of spheroids.
• Implementing automated image segmentation and morphological parameter computation (diameter, volume, sphericity).

Main Results:

• AnaSP demonstrated high sensitivity and precision in segmenting spheroids.
• The software reliably computed various morphological parameters across different imaging conditions.
• Validation confirmed the accuracy and robustness of AnaSP for spheroid analysis.

Conclusions:

• AnaSP offers a cost-effective and accessible solution for quantitative spheroid analysis.
• The software supports both high-content screening and routine experimental needs.
• AnaSP empowers broader adoption of 3D cell culture models in research and drug development.