• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Butterfly Network Appoints New Leader

    BD Names Chairman of Board

    Interplex Acquires OCP Group

    FDA Clears a Portable Hemodialysis System

    Solid Growth Forecast for India's HER2 Amplification Tests Market
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Element

    Qosina Corp.

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Unicep

    K-Tube Technologies
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    MW Life Sciences

    Unicep

    Qosina Corp.

    Medbio LLC
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    A How-To for Building Your Own Smartphone Microscope

    Basic smartphone equipped with an inexpensive inkjet-printed elastomer lens can be converted into a microscope.

    A How-To for Building Your Own Smartphone Microscope
    Fig. 1. (a) Slide-launched TIR-guided illumination: elastically scattered photons are blocked by the filter, while fluorescent photons can reach the smartphone camera. (b) Photorealistic cut-out rendering (c) Assembly procedure: inkjet-printed lens attached onto smartphone camera, smartphone adapter (1) fitted on smartphone, adhesive ring (2) attached to remove stray light, color filter attached on adhesive ring for fluorescence imaging, base ring (3) attached to adapter, threaded barrel (4) with slot enabled z-axis focusing and sample insertion, lid (5) attached to block ambient light, LED module (6) provided illumination. (d) System attached to smartphone. Image courtesy of University of Houston.
    Related CONTENT
    • Solvay Partners With PrinterPrezz on 3D Printing for Medical Devices
    • Researchers Develop New Combined Process for 3D Printing
    • 4D Biomaterials Awarded Funding for 3D Tissue Scaffolds
    • DURECT to Sell LACTEL Absorbable Polymer to Evonik for $15M
    • CRISPR-Based COVID-19 Test Uses Smartphone Camera
    University of Houston11.29.17
    Add one more thing to the list of tasks your smartphone can perform. University of Houston researchers have released an open-source dataset offering instructions to people interested in building their own smartphone microscope.
     
    The researchers describe the process in a paper published in Biomedical Optics Express, demonstrating that a basic smartphone equipped with an inexpensive inkjet-printed elastomer lens can be converted into a microscope capable of fluorescence microscopy, able to detect waterborne pathogens and perform other diagnostic functions.
     
    Wei-Chuan Shih, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, said fluorescence microscopy is "a workhorse," used in biology, medical diagnostics and other fields to reveal information about cells and tissue that can't otherwise be detected. The technique allows more information to be harvested from fluid, tissue and other samples, but not everyone has access to an optical microscope that can use fluorescence.
     
    It could extend sophisticated imaging techniques to rural areas and developing countries, Shih said. But it also could have more widespread applications, such as allowing backpackers an easy way to test for pathogens in rivers and streams.
     
    "We really hope anyone who wants to build it can," he said. "All the pieces can be made with a 3D printer. It's not something that belongs just to the lab."
     
    The work was partially funded with a $100,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's citizen science initiative, which encourages scientists to find ways to expand knowledge of and access to research.
     
    Shih's lab created an inexpensive lens that can turn a smartphone into a microscope in 2015; he and members of the lab created a company to produce and distribute the inkjet-printed lenses, which attach directly to a smartphone camera lens.
     
    They continue efforts to improve on that process, and in an article published earlier this fall in Applied Optics they reported engineering a platform—constructed with low-cost parts including LEGO bricks and plastic imaging components—to ensure high-throughput quality inspection of the inkjet-printed lenses.
     
    The lenses were used in the work reported in Biomedical Optics Express, which details how the researchers combined simple LED lighting with a 3D printed cartridge designed to hold a conventional glass slide. The light and cartridge attach to the smartphone.
     
    While conventional tabletop microscopes shine light through the sample from above, the Shih lab's technology launches the light from the side of the slide, which is about one millimeter thick. The LED light travels through the glass, refracting to allow the observer to view cell nuclei and structure.
     
    That's both less expensive and less complicated to operate, Shih said.
     
    "To pursue ultra-simplicity for open-source do-it-yourself fluorescence smartphone microscopy, we report the development of an integrated single lens add-on for multi-color fluorescence imaging," the researchers wrote. In addition to Shih, those involved with the project include Yulung Sung, a doctoral student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UH, and undergraduate Fernando Campa.
     
    Results from testing water samples for pathogens including Giardia lamblia and Cyrptosporidium parvum using the technology were compared with results obtained using a tabletop optical microscope. Resolution was slightly higher with the optical microscope, but the researchers reported resolution of two microns with the smartphone technology.
     
    Shih said he looks forward to seeing the device used by people outside the scientific community.
     
    "I feel more and more excited about seeing people adopt simple basic scientific gadgets," he said. "I think it will have more impact if we let people play with it, rather than trying to hold it as a secret. We should make it as easy and accessible as possible for everyone."

    Click here for the DIY smartphone microscope guide!

    Find more information on the study here.
    Related Searches
    • technology
    • medical
    • development
    • quality
    Related Knowledge Center
    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
    • Diagnostics
    • Electronics
    Suggested For You
    Solvay Partners With PrinterPrezz on 3D Printing for Medical Devices Solvay Partners With PrinterPrezz on 3D Printing for Medical Devices
    Researchers Develop New Combined Process for 3D Printing Researchers Develop New Combined Process for 3D Printing
    4D Biomaterials Awarded Funding for 3D Tissue Scaffolds 4D Biomaterials Awarded Funding for 3D Tissue Scaffolds
    DURECT to Sell LACTEL Absorbable Polymer to Evonik for $15M DURECT to Sell LACTEL Absorbable Polymer to Evonik for $15M
    CRISPR-Based COVID-19 Test Uses Smartphone Camera CRISPR-Based COVID-19 Test Uses Smartphone Camera
    Social Distancing Badge Lights Way to Return to Work Social Distancing Badge Lights Way to Return to Work
    Biodegradable 3D Printed Stents Treat Esophageal Inflammation Biodegradable 3D Printed Stents Treat Esophageal Inflammation
    Medtech Makers: Collaborating with Full-Service Design and Development Providers Medtech Makers: Collaborating with Full-Service Design and Development Providers
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    Quality Assurance When Supply Chain Disruptions Arise Quality Assurance When Supply Chain Disruptions Arise
    Additive Manufacturing: Debinding Fluids Must-Haves Additive Manufacturing: Debinding Fluids Must-Haves
    Qosina Partners with Resolution Medical to Offer a 3D-Printed Sterile Nasal Swab for COVID-19 Testing Qosina Partners with Resolution Medical to Offer a 3D-Printed Sterile Nasal Swab for COVID-19 Testing
     Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Smartphone-Controlled Wearable for Migraines Gains CE Mark Smartphone-Controlled Wearable for Migraines Gains CE Mark

    Related Breaking News

    • Diagnostics
      Abbott

      Abbott's Panbio Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test Earns CE Mark for Two New Uses

      EU approves symptomatic screening and self-administered sample collection with nasal swab.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 01.26.21

    • Diagnostics
      FDA OKs Canon Medical

      FDA OKs Canon Medical's AI-Powered, 90cm Bore CT

      Company claims the Aquilion Exceed LB CT offers the industry's largest bore opening.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 01.21.21

    • Diagnostics
      RSIP Vision Announces Versatile Medical Image Segmentation Tool

      RSIP Vision Announces Versatile Medical Image Segmentation Tool

      Delivers efficient anatomical measurements and better treatment options.
      RSIP Visions 01.20.21


    • Diagnostics
      Thermo Fisher Buys Mesa Biotech for $450M

      Thermo Fisher Buys Mesa Biotech for $450M

      Mesa Biotech developed, commercialized a PCR-based rapid POC testing platform for detecting infectious diseases.
      PR Newswire 01.20.21

    • Diagnostics
      Owlstone Medical Introduces Breath Biopsy Panel for Respiratory Diseases

      Owlstone Medical Introduces Breath Biopsy Panel for Respiratory Diseases

      Supports research to distinguish between different types of chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
      Owlstone Medical 01.19.21

    • Cardiovascular | Diagnostics
      FDA OKs MRI for Impulse Dynamics

      FDA OKs MRI for Impulse Dynamics' Optimizer CCM Delivery Systems

      FDA clears potential hurdle for many heart failure patients.
      Business Wire 01.19.21


    • Diagnostics
      Rapid Antigen Tests Manufacturer Acquires BIOLAB

      Rapid Antigen Tests Manufacturer Acquires BIOLAB

      Deal will create jobs and increase Innova's U.S. COVID-19 test kit manufacturing capability.
      Innova Medical Group Inc. 01.14.21

    • Diagnostics
      PerkinElmer

      PerkinElmer's SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Earns EUA for Asymptomatic Testing

      Gold-standard testing of individuals without COVID-19 symptoms key to controlling the spread.
      Business Wire 01.14.21

    • Diagnostics
      High-Volume COVID Antigen Test Receives FDA EUA

      High-Volume COVID Antigen Test Receives FDA EUA

      Ortho’s Vitros can run up to 130 tests per hour and helps address testing backlogs, supply shortages, and delayed results.
      Ortho Clinical Diagnostics 01.13.21


    • Diagnostics
      Researchers Develop Chip That Can Detect COVID-19 Antibodies in a Minute

      Researchers Develop Chip That Can Detect COVID-19 Antibodies in a Minute

      New diagnostic platform could be a valuable tool for detecting exposure to multiple viruses.
      Bob Marcotte, University of Rochester 01.13.21

    • Diagnostics
      Abbott to Supply Additional 30M COVID-19 Tests to U.S. Gov

      Abbott to Supply Additional 30M COVID-19 Tests to U.S. Gov't

      Company is in final stages of completing its self-funded capacity expansion across U.S. manufacturing sites.
      PR Newswire 01.13.21

    • Diagnostics
      Olympus and Hitachi Sign Five-Year Contract

      Olympus and Hitachi Sign Five-Year Contract

      Will jointly develop Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems.
      Olympus Corporation 01.11.21


    • Diagnostics
      ForaCare Suisse AG Launches COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

      ForaCare Suisse AG Launches COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

      Provides fast, accurate, and easy-to-interpret test results.
      PRNewswire 01.11.21

    • Diagnostics | Neurological
      FDA OKs Abbott

      FDA OKs Abbott's First-of-Its-Kind Rapid, Handheld TBI Test

      Produces a result within 15 minutes after a plasma sample is inserted.
      Abbott Laboratories 01.11.21

    • Diagnostics
      SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Prompts FDA Alert

      SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Prompts FDA Alert

      Impact remains low, but false negative results can occur with any molecular test.
      U.S. Food and Drug Administration 01.11.21


    Trending
    • Senseonics Forges Strategic Collaboration With Ascensia Diabetes Care
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest In Prism Medical Products
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    • Masimo Earns CE Mark For New Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
    Breaking News
    • Butterfly Network Appoints New Leader
    • BD Names Chairman of Board
    • Interplex Acquires OCP Group
    • FDA Clears a Portable Hemodialysis System
    • Solid Growth Forecast for India's HER2 Amplification Tests Market
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Omega-3s Evidenced to Reduce Low-Grade Inflammation in Elderly Men
    MIND and Mediterranean Diets Linked to Later Onset of Parkinson’s Disease
    Kerry Launches Web-Based Tool for Plant-Based Formulation Challenges
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Keyland Polymer UV Powder, LLC Launches UVMax Defender
    Scott McLaughlin to Race in PPG Colors During Rookie INDYCAR Season
    Vink Chemicals Offers parmetol PSG
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Butterfly Network Appoints New Leader
    BD Names Chairman of Board
    Interplex Acquires OCP Group
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Adare Pharma Solutions Opens New Small-Scale Lab
    Stevanato Group Launches After-sales Service Offering
    X-Chem Acquires IntelliSyn and AviSyn
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    The Estée Lauder Companies Announces Game-Changing Sustainability Goals for Travel Retail
    Aura Introduces Customizable Hair Care
    Corpack Creates Custom Packaging for Marlies Möller Hair Care Line
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Nice-Pak Receives EPA Approval for Disinfectant Wipes
    FDA Takes Major Action on Hand Sanitizers from Mexico
    Symrise Shares 2020 Sales Figures
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Epson Partner Creates Label Applicators for Pharmaceutical Products
    Smurfit Kappa Sets New Sustainability Targets with Better Planet 2050
    Paragon Expands Direct Mail Capabilities with Ricoh Pro VC70000
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Great Lakes Label debuts new website
    Epson partner creates label applicators for pharmaceutical products
    ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    American Made Production Equipment for Mask Manufacturers
    Kimberly-Clark Releases Q4, Full Year Results
    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Spinal Elements' Lucent XP-Curved Expandable TLIF Gains FDA Nod
    FDA OKs OrthoSpin's 2nd Gen Robotic, Digital External Fixation System
    Nextremity Solutions Enters Supply Agreement with Fort Wayne Metals
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    North American Semiconductor Equipment Industry Posts December 2020 Billings
    First Solar Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell US Development Platform to Leeward
    PRINTING United Alliance Announces TAGA Presents Virtual Event

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login