Virtual staining techniques:Emerging applications and prospects in histopathology

VernacularTitle:虚拟染色技术:组织病理学中的新兴应用与展望
Author: Hui CHEN ¹ ; Wei SHAO ; Cheng LU ; Xiangxue WANG ; Henghui MA ; Xiaojun ZHOU ; Qiu RAO
Author Information

1. 解放军东部战区总医院/南京大学医学院附属金陵医院病理科,南京 210002
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: virtual staining; artificial intelligence; digital pathology; histopathology; application and challenge
From: Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(5):565-570
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Histological staining is the basis of pathological analysis,but the traditional staining method relies on chemical reagents,which not only consumes a lot of resources,but also causes harm to the environment and human health.In recent years,with the rapid development of deep learning technology,virtual staining technology,as a new method,is expected to effectively replace and supplement the traditional histological staining methods.It uses neural networks to analyze unstained tissue images,generate digital images that are highly similar to chemical staining effects,and even realize the mutual conversion between different staining modes,reducing the laboratory's dependence on chemical reagents and providing sustainable research programs.In this paper,the basic principles of virtual staining and its potential applications in histopathology are introduced in detail,and the current challenges and future research directions are discussed.