Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have created the world’s first fully 3D-printed microscope in under three hours at a cost of less than £50.
This innovative device, made using low-cost, easily accessible 3D printers, could revolutionize science and medicine by making microscopes more affordable and widely available.
The design of the microscope is based on an open-source blueprint from OpenFlexure, a website offering free 3D-printable designs.
The team 3D-printed the microscope’s frame and created clear plastic lenses using low-cost materials and a simple printer. To complete the device, they added a shop-bought camera, a light source, and a Raspberry Pi computer to control the system.
The researchers tested the microscope using standard samples, including a stained blood smear and a thin section of mouse kidney.
The microscope performed impressively, achieving sub-cellular resolution. It clearly imaged individual red blood cells and detailed structures within the kidney sample, proving its usefulness for diagnostic purposes.
Dr. Liam Rooney, who developed the microscope alongside Professor Gail McConnell at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, highlighted the potential of this breakthrough.
“In under three hours, you can transform a freely available design into a fully functional microscope,” he said. “This opens the doors to democratized access, rapid prototyping, and customized designs of microscopes and optics at a fraction of the usual cost.”
Traditional diagnostic microscopes can cost between £10,000 and £15,000, making them out of reach for many scientists, medics, and students, especially in low-income countries. In contrast, the Strathclyde team’s device uses a single 3D-printed lens costing just 11 pence.
A critical part of the project was refining the 3D printing process for the lenses. The researchers worked for three years with international collaborators to perfect the lens design, ensuring smooth surfaces and eliminating ‘stepping artifacts’ caused by layering during printing.
This affordable and easy-to-build microscope has the potential to bring high-quality diagnostic tools to low-income regions and inspire students by providing accessible scientific equipment.
The team’s work showcases how open-source designs and 3D printing can make science more inclusive and innovative.
