Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, cilt.0, sa.0, ss.398-403, 2019 (Hakemli Dergi)
Microscopy is one of the most commonly used imaging methods in scientific research. The fluorescence microscopes which are usedto determine the cell and tissue content at the molecular level, provides high-resolution images of the fluorochrome marked molecules.They are used in many areas with this feature. However, the use of fluorescence microscopy in biomedical field is limited due to variousfactors such as cost, size and difficulty of use. Also for some applications of fluorescence microscopy there are no need for very highquality and detailed images. Therefore, a small, practical and cost-effective mini fluorescent microscope is needed (Sanz, Picazo-Bueno,Granero, & Micó, 2017).In this study, a practical, portable and cost-effective fluorescent microscope was designed for specific proposes. Unlike the commonfluorescent microscopes in this mini version one emission and one excitation wavelength is used. From top to bottom the design consistsof a LED which is emitting the chosen wavelength of light, an excitation filter that can be used if necessary, a sample holder, a practicalfocus system developed in this project to be used for focus adjustment, a single-focus microscope objective lens, an emission filter anda camera. Plates holding these elements were formed using laser cutter, these plates are fixed in the form of layers with the appropriatematerials. Filters and LED light source were determined and supplied according to the specific fluorescent dye to be used. Theseelements were tested by spectrophotometer and assembled together in the design. The LED power driver used in the design was suppliedand the connections with the LED are completed.The focal point was calculated as 4 mm and the focal length as 44 mm so optical magnification 0.27 um/pixel was obtained. This meansa 610 times magnification on a 15.6-inch screen.Using the mini fluorescent microscope a fluorochrome sensitive to 360nm wavelength was imaged. And the image from emitted lightat 460nm wavelength was obtained. The entire design cost 2500 TL (434 USD). The dimensions of the fluorescence microscope are120mm x 120mm x 170mm, 2448cm3. Its weight is 1 kg.This mini fluorescence microscope can be used as an alternative to traditional fluorescent microscopes in developing countries andgeographies where resources are scarce, because it is cost-effective and portable. As it is practical and user friendly, it can reduce theneed for expert person. Also for point of care applications, this microscope can be an alternative for conventional fluorescencemicroscopy.