ScanEV-A neural network-based tool for the automated detection of extracellular vesicles in TEM images

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the most widely accepted method for visualization of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and particularly, exosomes. TEM images provide us with information about the size and morphology of the EVs. We have developed an online tool ScanEV (Scanner for the Extracellular Vesicles, available at https://bioeng.ru/scanev), for the rapid and automated processing of such images. ScanEV is based on a convolutional neural network; it detects the << cup-shaped >> particles in the images and calculates their morphometric parameters. This tool will be useful for researchers who study EVs and use TEM for their characterization.

Automated summary

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is widely used for visualizing extracellular vesicles (EVs), and a new online tool named ScanEV has been developed for rapid and automated processing of TEM images. Based on a convolutional neural network, ScanEV can detect particles in images and calculate their morphometric parameters, providing useful assistance for researchers studying EVs.