Simple light microscopes have been used as a scientific tool that can provide scientific topics and hands-on experience in chemical or biological education. Different imaging modes of microscopes provide complementary information for students. In particular, fluorescent imaging can provide complementary information, such as internal compartments, chemical environments, and the production and distribution of proteins and other molecules within living organisms. However, it is not easy to use a fluorescence microscope in insufficiently funded laboratories due to the high purchase and maintenance costs of fluorescence equipment.<br/>In this study, to reduce these costs, a microscope stage with colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can convert a traditional inverted microscope into a fluorescence microscope was designed. This study used a 3D printer to produce a microscope stage that can mount 12 standard colored LEDs. Twelve holes were fabricated on the backside of this stage to accommodate a commercial LED. To evaluate the performance of the proposed system, fluorescein diacetate or Hoechst 33342 stained PLHC-1 cells were observed using an inverted microscope in this stage. Subsequently, images of the PLHC-1 cells were captured, and they exhibited bright fluorescence.<br/>Several researchers have developed fluorescence microscopes using 3D-printed parts. However, these devices must be built from scratch. It is difficult for researchers at high schools or small laboratories to dedicate the resources required to fabricate these devices. Conversely, the proposed microscope stage allows fluorescence observations by simply placing it on an existing microscope. Therefore, our proposed system is useful for fluorescence imaging in laboratories that are not very well-funded and can also contribute to the development of science education.

Fabrication of a microscope stage with light-emitting diodes to upgrade a simple microscope to a fluorescence microscope

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.