FlyPi

A 3-D printable open source platform for fluorescence microscopy, optogenetics and accurate temperature control.

By A Maia Chagas, LL Prieto Godino, A Arrenberg and T Baden

Behavioural monitoring under dim red light
FlyPi: Zebrafish with GFP in heart
Motorised focus
FlyPi: Calcium imaging in Drosophila larva
A Raspberry Pi 2 is used to control the FlyPi
Optogenetic activation of Chrimson in Adult fruit fly
FlyPi: Transmission microscopy mode
Fluorescence mode

Designed for flexibiliy and low-cost, the “FlyPi” is an optical microscope designed for behavioural work with fruit flies, zebrafish or C. elegans.

The system is based on a Raspberry Pi with camera, an Arduino microcontroller and a range of off-the-shelf electronic parts. A modular design provides for flexible control of a range of peripherals including options for optogenetic and thermogenetic stimulation and fluorescence microscopy. All mechanical parts are 3-D printed which includes a range of manual or motorised micropositioning options.

The basic setup can be put together for below 100€. The low price means that it can be implemented in under-funded labs across the world, for classroom teaching in schools as well as by home-enthusiasts who are not part of the traditional scientific establishment.

The MS, including complete build instructions and BOM is published at PLoS Biology (open access):

Chagas AM§, Prieto Godino LL, Arrenberg AB and Baden T§. The 100 Euro Lab: A 3-D Printable Open Source Platform For Fluorescence Microscopy, Optogenetics And Accurate Temperature Control During Behaviour Of Zebrafish, Drosophila And C. elegans. PLoS Biology. direct link. (bioRxiv version). pdf.

Other project materials

Rather than building all from scratch yourself, you can soon also buy one or get a bag of parts: Have a look at Andre’s new startup Prometheus Science! 

 

Figures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.