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High-throughput Image Analysis of Tumor Spheroids: A User-friendly Software Application to Measure the Size of Spheroids Automatically and Accurately

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Published on: July 8, 2014

Free and open-source automated 3-D microscope.

Bas Wijnen¹, Emily E Petersen¹, Emily J Hunt¹

¹Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA.

Journal of Microscopy

|August 30, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed an affordable, open-source 3-D microscope stage using a 3-D printer, enhancing accessibility for automated microscopy. This innovation offers customizable design and precision for scientific applications at a fraction of commercial costs.

Keywords:

3-D microscope imaging microscope open hardware optics stage

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Area of Science:

Microscopy
Engineering
Open-Source Technology

Background:

Automated microscopy is often inaccessible due to high costs and inflexible commercial stages.
Open-source technology promotes innovation and customization in research by reducing expenses.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a low-cost, open-source 3-D microscope stage.
To improve accessibility and customizability in automated microscopy.

Main Methods:

A RepRap 3-D printer was converted into an optical microscope.
A customized 3-D printed holder was designed for a USB microscope.
The system was tested for precision, accuracy, and repeatability.

Main Results:

The 3-D stage achieved precision with an average error of 10 μm at maximum speed.
Accuracy tests showed an error of 0.15%.
The stage is capable of high-depth imaging over large areas and complex geometries.

Conclusions:

The open-source 3-D microscope stage is significantly more affordable (3-9% of commercial alternatives), improving global accessibility.
Despite lower repeatability than 2D stages, it is adequate for most scientific applications.
This development democratizes advanced 3-D microscopy capabilities.