Quantitative phase imaging for characterization of single cell growth dynamics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Cellular Imaging
• Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI)

Background:

• QPI enables label-free quantitative mapping of phase shifts in cells.
• It reveals cellular morphology and dynamics without exogenous contrast agents.
• Recent advancements focus on individual cell growth dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent studies utilizing QPI for elucidating individual cell growth dynamics.
• To explore QPI applications in cell mitosis, organelle differentiation, and cell death processes.
• To highlight QPI's theranostic potential and integration challenges.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature employing Quantitative Phase Imaging.
• Analysis of studies investigating cellular processes like mitosis, differentiation, and death.
• Examination of QPI applications in live cell temperature measurement and theranostics.

Main Results:

• QPI successfully quantifies cellular changes during mitosis, organelle differentiation, and various cell death modes.
• Live cell temperature can be precisely measured using QPI.
• Significant theranostic applications are emerging, demonstrating QPI's transformative potential.

Conclusions:

• QPI is a powerful tool for unperturbed, quantitative analysis of cell biology.
• Its applications extend from fundamental research to advanced theranostics.
• Overcoming current challenges will facilitate wider adoption in biomedical research.