A team of researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has invented a game-changing optical microscope for low-cost histological imaging, costing just $60 and ready for assembly in three hours. Built on OpenFlexure’s open-source microscope platform, the design uses clear plastic 3D printed lenses, a commercial camera, light source, and a Raspberry Pi for control.
To 3D print the customized lenses, the Strathclyde team obtained a 3D model of the required lens and brought it into Autodesk Fusion 360, increasing the polygon count to the maximum possible. For the printing material, they opted for Formlabs’ Clear Resin, known for its exceptional transparency. The design was 3D printed using ELEGOO Mars 3D printers, specifically the Mars 3 and Mars 2 models.
One of the project’s know-how was surface-smoothing technique, which helped the researchers avoid compromising optical performance by layer lines when printing. “The lens surface was rendered smooth for imaging by spin coating a thin layer of liquid clear resin for 10 seconds at 2000 rpm, and post-curing for 10 minutes,” explained the team.
Despite its economical price, the microscope allows for impressive cellular-level imaging, successfully analyzing blood and mouse kidney samples. At about 3 kilograms, it’s featherlight and ergonomic, making it ideal for schools, small labs, and healthcare facilities in low-resource areas. Compared to conventional lab-grade microscopes requiring thousands to invest, this innovative setup is just a fraction of the cost.
“Accessibility was key,” concluded the Strathclyde team. By keeping the materials as simple as 3D printed parts and common electronics, scientists created a tool that can be manufactured locally while minimizing logistical issues and cutting costs. With a 3D printer available, such microscopes can be produced quickly, empowering educational and medical initiatives worldwide.
