High-throughput, label-free and slide-free histological imaging by computational microscopy and unsupervised learning

Rapid and high-resolution histological imaging with minimal tissue preparation has long been a challenging and yet captivating medical pursue. Here, we propose a promising and transformative histological imaging method, termed computational high-throughput autofluorescence microscopy by pattern illumination (CHAMP). With the assistance of computational microscopy, CHAMP enables high-throughput and label-free imaging of thick and unprocessed tissues with large surface irregularity at an acquisition speed of 10 mm2/10 seconds with 1.1-µm lateral resolution. Moreover, the CHAMP image can be transformed into a virtually stained histological image (Deep-CHAMP) through unsupervised learning within 15 seconds, where significant cellular features are quantitatively extracted with high accuracy. The versatility of CHAMP is experimentally demonstrated using mouse brain/kidney tissues prepared with various clinical protocols, which enables a rapid and accurate intraoperative/postoperative pathological examination without tissue processing or staining, demonstrating its great potential as an assistive imaging platform for surgeons and pathologists to provide optimal adjuvant treatment.