Changing Cell Phone into a Microscope

Researchers from the University of California use cell phone cameras to see loaloa worm, which attacks the joints and eyes, in Africa. With enhancements CellScope, a mobile phone turns into a microscope. Microscope-phone can result in enlargement 8-120 times more powerful than a standard microscope.

Cellscope is essentially a radically miniaturized set of regular microscope lenses. (Picture from: http://www.psmag.com/)

With CellScope, all kinds of mobile phones that have a camera could be turned into a microscope. "This phone allows the search of worms in the blood of patients," said Dan Fletcher, cell mechanics researchers from the University of California at Berkeley, United States on the university website. "Worm photos used to make the treatment recommendation."

Schematic of the CellScope set up for fluorescent imaging. For bright field imaging, the two filters and LED are removed. (Picture from: http://www.berkeley.edu/)

Loaloa infection attacked most of the West Africa population, especially Cameroon. At least 10 million people have been infected with the disease worldwide. Photos are displayed on the university website shows the ability CellScope. From blood samples containing 30 thousand worms per milliliter, CellScope can show black strings is none other causes worm infection. In addition to recording images, CellScope can record video. Users can also submit a photo or video to the experts via the Internet. Researchers are preparing mobile applications that simplify the whole process.

Cellscope images of microfilariae from 30,000 mf/ml sample, blood lysed with H2O. Note visibility of microfilariae in lower left blow-up. Clumping of microfilariae in right blow-up image. (Picture from: http://cellscope.berkeley.edu/)

Researchers currently have no-plans to sell this CellScope. But the equipment is prepared to replace the microscope for inspection purposes at home or in the classroom experiments. Before being used to analyze loaloa infection, CellScope used to examine children's ear infections. Parents stay attached their extra equipment in front of the camera phone, and then photographing the inside of the ear. Photos of the inner ear that is then sent via electronic mail to the family doctor for a diagnosis. If there is an infection, a doctor can prescribe.

In late 2012 and early 2013, researchers will conduct a second test related to the ability CellScope. If the capacity is increased, the equipment will be released to help the loaloa infection eradication program in 2013. *** [CELLSCOPE | ANTON WILLIAM | KORAN TEMPO 4059]

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