Computer-aided image analysis for microcapsules' quality assessment

Application of computer-aided image analysis to quality assessment of inner structure of alginate-polyethersulfone microcapsule is presented. The microcapsules are provided for analysis in the form of optical microscope images of their cross-sections. A specialized computer program APEK makes it possible to measure and calculate a set of morphological parameters describing microcapsules' outer and inner size and shape, as well as the thickness of a polyethersulfone membrane which covers hydrogel microcapsule core. It is described a method of thickness profile of microcapsule's membrane measuring based on skeleton line. Calculations are illustrated by an example. Suggestions concerning future works have been formulated.