Image Analysis for Calculation of the Toxicity Degree of Cells in Phase Contrast Microscopy Images

Because of the very special type of contrast in phase-contrast images, it is almost impossible to perform fully automated single-cell analysis and quantification successfully. Because fluorescent dyes are highly toxic, phase-contrast images are commonly used to monitor live cells. In this paper, we present a method for the fully automated segmentation, classification and quantification of individual cell morphology in phase-contrast images. We calculate the confluence of the cell population and quantify the degree of toxic damage to each individual cell following phenol incubation. The results are then compared to standard cytotoxicity assays.