Smartphone microendoscopy for high resolution fluorescence imaging

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost smartphone-based microendoscope capable of high-resolution fluorescence imaging, potentially transforming medical diagnostics in resource-limited settings by enabling detection of pre-cancerous lesions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, affordable smartphone microendoscope with 3.1 μm resolution for fluorescence imaging, suitable for use in low-resource environments.

Findings

Achieved 3.1 μm spatial resolution in fluorescence imaging.

Demonstrated device functionality with ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo samples.

Potential for detecting pre-cancerous lesions in low-income regions.

Abstract

High resolution optical endoscopes are increasingly used in diagnosis of various medical conditions of internal organs, such as the gastrointestinal tracts, but they are too expensive for use in resource-poor settings. On the other hand, smartphones with high resolution cameras and Internet access have become more affordable, enabling them to diffuse into most rural areas and developing countries in the past decade. In this letter we describe a smartphone microendoscope that can take fluorescence images with a spatial resolution of 3.1 {\mu}m. Images collected from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo samples using the device are also presented. The compact and cost-effective smartphone microendoscope may be envisaged as a powerful tool for detecting pre-cancerous lesions of internal organs in low and middle income countries.