The 100 $ lab: Fluorescence microscope & behavioural tracker for optogenetics

thingiverse

The 100$ Lab: A Revolutionary Open Source Platform for Fluorescence Microscopy, Optogenetics and Precise Temperature Control during Animal Behaviour. In collaboration with Andre Maia Chagas, Lucia L Prieto Godino, and A Arrenberg, we're thrilled to introduce FlyPi, a groundbreaking 3D printable platform based on the Raspberry Pi. Originally designed for work with Drosophila (fruit flies), this versatile tool is also an invaluable asset for science teaching and research. The Core Unit: A Raspberry Pi 2 with Adjustable Focus RPi Camera Module Serves as the Imaging Heartbeat At its core, FlyPi features a Raspberry Pi 2 paired with an adjustable focus RPi Camera module. This dynamic duo provides the foundation for high-quality imaging. A custom Arduino Nano/PCB breakout allows seamless attachment and software control of various sensors and actuators, including LEDs for lighting, fluorescence excitation, and optogenetic stimulation, as well as a Peltier element and thermistor for precise temperature control. Additional features include servo motors and other actuators that can be easily integrated. A Custom Python3 GUI Brings It All Together Our custom Python3 GUI seamlessly controls both the RPiCamera and peripherals through the Arduino, providing an intuitive interface for users to navigate and experiment with FlyPi's capabilities. Unparalleled Imaging Capabilities: Resolving Down to Single Red Blood Cells As evident in our preliminary figures, FlyPi achieves remarkable imaging results, resolving down to the size of single red blood cells. Our system also produces high-quality GFP-based fluorescence images, with optogenetic stimulation of ChRII and ReaChR functioning as expected. A Work-in-Progress: Optimizing Peltier Control System We're currently refining our Peltier control system to prevent overheating issues. The original videos taken at 15 Hz and 5MP resolution demonstrate the true capabilities of FlyPi, with crisp and uncompressed footage that showcases its potential. Publishing Soon: A Scientific Outlet Awaits We aim to formally publish FlyPi in a scientific outlet soon, along with comprehensive documentation for users to build their own system. With a total cost of approximately $100, this open-source platform can be assembled from off-the-shelf components, making it an attractive option for researchers and educators worldwide. Supporting Science Education on the African Continent FlyPi is part of our broader initiative to foster university-level science education in Africa through our charity, TReND in Africa (www.trendinafrica.org). We're committed to implementing designs like FlyPi in science education and research on the continent.