DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY SYSTEM, BASED ON MOBILE AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS WITH WIRELESS INTERFACE
Fluorescence microscopy is a technique that is based on a natural substance present or added in cells, which is stimulated by a light beam, emitting part of the absorbed energy as light rays. Its most widespread application is to reveal an added fluorescence, as in the detection of antigens or antibodies. Specific fluorescent molecules can also be injected into parasites or directly into cells and used as markers.
In this project the development of a low-cost fluorescence microscopy system based on mobile and embedded systems with a wireless interface is proposed for the detection of different diseases, e.g. Chagas disease, cervical cancer, others.
Conventional fluorescence microscopes use special optical devices, such as dichroic, interferometric filters, a high-power halogen light source, which increases their cost (approx. 100 thousand Bs.) And makes them bulky. The proposed system will be based on a low power laser source as a light source, an optical microscopy system and a CCD camera controlled by a RaspberryPi, for the visualization of the samples. Additionally, the system will allow viewing the samples on mobile devices (tablets, cell phones, laptops), using Web technology, through wireless Wifi communication. The positioning of the glass plates containing the samples will be automated using step motors and a precision mechanical positioning system.
As a case study for the validation of the system, the detection of Chagas Disease (T. cruzi parasite) was chosen for its social impact (in collaboration with IIBISMED-UMSS). If the patient's serum has antibodies, an antigen-antibody reaction occurs, which is detected with the addition of a second antibody labeled with fluorescent substances. This reaction will be observed in the developed system, confirming the detection of the disease.
The use of commercial opto-electronic elements allows the cost reduction by 90% of conventional fluorescence microscopy devices.
Responsibles:
Omar Ormachea Ph.D. (CIOE), Alex Villazón Ph.D. (CINTI)
Researchers:
Omar Ormachea Ph.D. (CIOE)
Alex Villazón Ph.D. (CINTI)
Patricia Rodriguez, Ph.D.c (external,due to collaboration with IIBISMED-UMSS)
Lic. Amilcal Flores (external, due to collaboration with IIBISMED-UMSS)
Article in local press - Los Tiempos: Desarrollan microscopio de bajo costo
