Combining microfluidics with machine learning algorithms for RBC classification in rare hereditary hemolytic anemia

Combining microfluidics technology with machine learning represents an innovative approach to conduct massive quantitative cell behavior study and implement smart decision-making systems in support of clinical diagnostics. The spleen plays a key-role in rare hereditary hemolytic anemia (RHHA), being the organ responsible for the premature removal of defective red blood cells (RBCs). The goal is to adapt the physiological spleen filtering strategy for in vitro study and monitoring of blood diseases through RBCs shape analysis. Then, a microfluidic device mimicking the slits of the spleen red pulp area and video data analysis are combined for the characterization of RBCs in RHHA. This microfluidic unit is designed to evaluate RBC deformability by maintaining them fixed in planar orientation, allowing the visual inspection of RBC's capacity to restore their original shape after crossing microconstrictions. Then, two cooperative learning approaches are used for the analysis: the majority voting scheme, in which the most voted label for all the cell images is the class assigned to the entire video; and the maximum sum of scores to decide the maximally scored class to assign. The proposed platform shows the capability to discriminate healthy controls and patients with an average efficiency of 91%, but also to distinguish between RHHA subtypes, with an efficiency of 82%.

Automated summary

The combination of microfluidics technology with machine learning allows for massive quantitative cell behavior studies and the development of intelligent decision-making systems. By adapting the physiological spleen filtering strategy for in vitro study using a microfluidic device, RBC shape analysis in blood diseases can be effectively monitored. The proposed platform shows high efficiency in discriminating healthy controls and patients, as well as distinguishing between RHHA subtypes.