Live Cell Imaging on Titanium Surfaces: Comparison of Image Processing Technique

Titanium is a viable material for prosthetic implants due to its biocompatible surface which facilitates cell adhesion. In this study, titanium discs are used as a substrate for mesenchymal stem cells which have been genetically altered with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Due to the reflective properties of the titanium discs, standard light microscopy could not be used for cell growth analysis. Thus, a fluorescent microscope and camera were used to record periodic images of live cell growth. Trial images were analyzed for a variety of properties including cell proliferation, growth, migration, area, and perimeter. Images were analyzed by using ImageJ, an image processing and analysis program created by the National Institute of Health. The cells in the images were either automatically analyzed using built-in functions or they were traced manually and then analyzed. This study focuses on the comparison of these two methods in regards to measuring the area and perimeter of the cells