Research Projects

Human red blood cells (RBCs) are integral to many physiological processes, especially in the context of hematology and the pathophysiology of various diseases. Their structure, function, and lifespan are all important factors in understanding both normal physiological processes and disease mechanisms. Consequently, assessing and comprehending the morphological, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of individual RBCs is essential for evaluating the pathophysiology of various hematological disorders, as well as for creating new opportunities for the early diagnosis of the diseases. In vitro studies have revealed changes in RBCs characteristics during prolonged storage, the direct relationship between blood storage duration and patient risk in transfusions remains somewhat ambiguous. The research has shown that, as RBCs age during storage, they undergo biochemical and structural changes, collectively referred to as the "storage lesion." These changes include alterations in the shape of the RBCs, loss of deformability, reduced oxygen delivery capacity, and increased levels of oxidative damage. These effects are associated with poorer post-transfusion survival and may be linked to higher mortality rates in critically ill patients. The evidence supports the idea that using fresher RBCs (i.e., those stored for less than 14 days) may reduce these risks. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a system for examining the alterations in RBC properties throughout the storage period. This project aims to develop next generation data driven Fourier Ptychographic Phase Microscopy (FPPM) for automatic diagnostic imaging of red blood cells pathophysiology. The FPPM technique presents unique benefits compared to conventional microscopy by integrating aspects of Fourier ptychography and phase microscopy. It aims to improve the resolution and phase contrast of microscope images beyond the diffraction limit, facilitating the detailed imaging of biological samples with enhanced spatial resolution and phase data. Consequently, FPPM images encompass 3D information about the samples, indicating its potential for the advancement of future automated microscopes, with applications extending to hematology and related fields such as pathology and cytology. The proposed portable high-resolution FPPM features nanometer-level phase sensitivity, which significantly improves the visualization and detailed analysis of irregularities in blood samples. The system relies on accurate phase extraction algorithm to define the imaging modality and to forecast various blood-related diseases through automated analysis employing advance deep learning methods. The project aims to deliver an economical point-of-care testing solution, which serve as a highly accurate instrument for the thorough examination of blood sample anomalies, characterized by rapid scanning capabilities and an extensive depth of focus.