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Low-Cost Cryo-Light Microscopy Stage Fabrication for Correlated Light/Electron Microscopy
Published on: June 5, 2011
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A review on low-cost microscopes for Open Science.
Jesus Salido1, Gloria Bueno1, Jesus Ruiz-Santaquiteria1
1VISILAB Group, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|July 26, 2022
Summary
Open hardware optical microscopes offer low-cost solutions for biosciences research and diagnostics in resource-limited settings. This review highlights portable and automated designs, emphasizing their role in advancing Open Science.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Open Science
- Microscopy
Background:
- Commercial optical microscopes are expensive, limiting access in resource-constrained environments.
- There is a growing need for affordable, high-availability microscopy solutions in biosciences research, diagnostics, and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in open hardware optical microscopes as low-cost alternatives.
- To classify existing open hardware microscope solutions and assess their maturity regarding Open Science practices.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an exhaustive literature search, identifying 23 relevant works from the past decade.
- Analyzed and categorized the selected works into portable field and multipurpose automated microscopes.
- Evaluated the adoption of Open Science principles within the reviewed solutions.
Main Results:
- Identified 23 open hardware optical microscope projects developed in the last 10 years.
- Classified solutions into two main categories: portable field microscopes and multipurpose automated microscopes.
- Discussed the maturity of these solutions concerning Open Science adoption, including smartphone-based microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Open hardware optical microscopes present viable low-cost alternatives to commercial systems.
- These solutions address critical needs in developing countries and educational contexts.
- Further adoption of Open Science practices can enhance the impact and accessibility of these microscopes.
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