In an exciting advancement that could democratize scientific research for students, researchers, and hobbyists around the world, a team of physicists and engineers at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, collaborating with a colleague from the University of Glasgow, has developed a low-cost, 3D-printed microscope, including its critical lenses. Published on the bioRxiv preprint server, the study reveals that the microscope prototype not only provides decent resolution—enough to observe individual blood cells—but also comes with an incredibly affordable price tag of under $60.
Microscopes, particularly those with high resolution, have long been expensive pieces of equipment. Their costs can pose a significant barrier to research institutions, students, and educators in underfunded regions, as well as independent researchers seeking affordable solutions. This breakthrough from the Scottish team challenges the high cost traditionally associated with this essential scientific tool, and it could profoundly impact how microscopy is taught and practiced in settings that lack access to high-end technology.
Affordable Innovation for All
The goal behind this project was to make advanced scientific tools—tools that could enable in-depth exploration of biological and chemical samples—affordable and widely accessible. By leveraging the growing accessibility of 3D printing technology, the team succeeded in devising a completely functional microscope design. Their open-source plans, which are now available for free online, allow anyone with access to a 3D printer to build a microscope, providing a more practical solution for those in resource-constrained environments.
For those unfamiliar with how microscopes are traditionally made, especially high-quality ones, the challenge lies in their lenses. The process of manufacturing precise, high-quality lenses generally takes place in specialized factories, which often means the lenses are costly. The team at the University of Strathclyde, however, focused on overcoming this barrier. Through research and experimentation, the team discovered a way to 3D-print microscope lenses without compromising resolution quality, a process that had eluded earlier efforts.
Pushing the Boundaries of 3D Printing Technology
3D printing has long shown promise for producing customizable and affordable tools, and this project builds upon that potential by tackling the major hurdle of creating accurate optical lenses. The lenses used in a typical microscope are intricate and need to be meticulously crafted to ensure they produce a sharp, clear image. Conventionally, these lenses are made using high-precision machinery and expensive materials, resulting in prohibitive costs. The team set out to change that by utilizing a Mars 3 Pro 3D printer and photopolymerizing clear resin to fabricate the microscope’s lenses.
The team adopted the specifications of a commonly used commercial lens—specifically the 12.7 mm diameter plano-convex lens with a focal length of 35 mm, which is well-suited for a high-quality yet affordable microscope design. After extensive testing, the team confirmed that the printed lenses were functional and could deliver usable images with adequate resolution for cellular imaging.
This breakthrough holds much promise, as 3D-printed lenses can significantly reduce the cost of constructing microscopes, making it easier for individuals and institutions worldwide to access reliable equipment. Additionally, given that 3D printers are already in many laboratories and classrooms, the development of a 3D-printable microscope offers greater flexibility in education, with students and researchers now able to take the designs and produce their own microscopes for hands-on learning.
Assembling the 3D-Printed Microscope
Once the lenses had been successfully designed and printed, the next task was to incorporate them into the complete microscope system. The full set of instructions for assembling the microscope, available online through the OpenFlexure project, allows users to print and assemble the key components of the microscope.
In terms of additional components, the team chose a basic off-the-shelf light source to illuminate samples and paired it with a Raspberry Pi—a small, affordable computing platform— to control and process images through a connected camera. While the Raspberry Pi helped control image capture, the entire process, from design to assembly, took just three hours for the team to complete, showcasing not only the affordability but also the efficiency of the project.
With the Raspberry Pi computing unit, users can control the microscope remotely, using software to capture images or even conduct more advanced image analysis. Even with this added technology—such as the light source, camera, and Raspberry Pi—the entire setup cost under $60, making it a highly affordable option for users in need of a microscope but without the financial means to afford commercial equipment.
Implications for Science and Education
One of the primary benefits of this innovation is its potential impact on global education. Access to powerful scientific equipment has often been one of the most significant barriers to effective teaching and learning in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics, especially in low-resource environments. Through the ability to print their own microscopes, educational institutions can circumvent many of the high costs associated with conventional scientific tools, expanding access to those in areas that previously lacked resources.
The OpenFlexure project that supports this research aligns with the mission of democratizing science by making tools more accessible to researchers in developing countries or educational settings where traditional microscopes may be unaffordable. It also offers a way to inspire creativity and practical skills in students as they build and understand the inner workings of a microscope—fostering deeper learning in STEM education.
Additionally, the affordable 3D-printed microscope opens doors for citizen science projects and outreach programs, giving more people—regardless of their geographic location or financial situation—the ability to engage in meaningful scientific discovery.
A Step Towards Global Scientific Collaboration
This new 3D-printed microscope has also paved the way for a new form of global collaboration in science. By offering free, open-source designs, the Strathclyde and Glasgow University team has allowed researchers from across the world to access, adapt, and share this technology, further expanding the impact of the design.
The emergence of low-cost microscopes and other scientific equipment manufactured via 3D printing also points toward a future in which other high-tech devices—such as spectrometers, oscilloscopes, or other precision tools—could also be printed for a fraction of their traditional cost. The implications extend beyond educational and research institutions; hobbyists, engineers, and amateur scientists can now access the necessary tools to push the boundaries of discovery.
As the cost of production continues to drop, we may begin to see more universities and research centers around the world embrace this innovative approach, making advanced scientific tools as commonplace as laptops or smartphones in every classroom and laboratory.
Reference: Jay Christopher et al, A fully 3D-printed optical microscope for low-cost histological imaging, bioRxiv (2024). DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.16.628684