In early 2025, excitement surged within the research community with the release of a groundbreaking preprint paper detailing the world’s first fully 3D printed microscope. This innovative device was constructed in just hours and costs a fraction of traditional models.

Dr. Liam Rooney, a professor at the University of Glasgow, explained to New Scientist that the response to their revolutionary microscope has been overwhelming, attracting interest from biomedical researchers, community organizations, and even filmmakers. He stated, “The community response has been remarkable.” This significant research has been published in the Microscope Journal.

For the microscope’s body, the team employed designs from the Open Flexure project, a public resource for 3D printing scientific instruments. Utilizing a commercial camera and light source, they controlled the entire system using a Raspberry Pi computer.

The true innovation lies in the 3D-printed microscope lenses made from clear plastic, drastically reducing costs and enhancing accessibility. Traditional microscopes can cost thousands; in contrast, this new model can be assembled for less than £50.

“Since January, we have printed approximately 1,000 lenses in various shapes,” remarked team member Gail McConnell, from the University of Strathclyde.

Several companies producing commercial products that require optics have reached out to discuss potential collaborations, as affordable, lightweight 3D-printed lenses are still uncommon in large-scale production. The team has successfully used the microscope to analyze blood samples and tissue sections from mouse kidneys, validating its utility for medical and biological research.

The researchers aim to democratize access to microscopy, and they are making strides toward that goal. Collaboration with a lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana is underway to enhance microscope accessibility for researchers and students across West Africa. Additionally, they’ve secured funding from the UK Institute for Technology Strategy, and are involved in programs designed to upskill and empower students facing educational barriers.

Furthermore, the team has developed a new microscope course through the Strathclyde Light Microscopy Course, aimed at researchers of all experience levels and providing a unique educational opportunity in the UK. Rooney noted, “This is revolutionizing our teaching methods.”

Looking towards the future, there is substantial potential for further enhancements in 3D printed microscopes. The research team is working to improve resolution without raising costs and have found methods to enhance image contrast by 67%.

McConnell emphasized that the microscope’s design leverages consumer electronics and accessible 3D printing technologies, stating that the future advancements and capabilities are limited only by current 3D printing technology. “As these printers advance, so will our capabilities. The only bottleneck is technology, not creativity,” she explained. “We’re frequently contacted by individuals eager to see new designs.”