Orthogonal-view Microscope for the Biomechanics Investigations of Aquatic Organisms

TL;DR

The paper introduces GLUBscope, a DIY orthogonal-view microscope for detailed biomechanics studies of aquatic organisms, combining custom 3D-printed parts with off-the-shelf components for versatile imaging.

Contribution

It presents a modular, reconfigurable, open-source microscope enabling orthogonal imaging of aquatic organisms, enhancing visualization of complex shapes compared to traditional systems.

Findings

Successful visualization of Hydra and other organisms from orthogonal views

Open-source design facilitates easy replication and modification

Demonstrated integration with analysis pipeline for biomechanics studies

Abstract

Microscopes are essential for biomechanics and hydrodynamical investigation of small aquatic organisms. We report a DIY microscope (GLUBscope) that enables the visualization of organisms from two orthogonal imaging planes (top and side views). Compared to conventional imaging systems, this approach provides a comprehensive visualization strategy of organisms, which could have complex shapes and morphologies. The microscope was constructed by combining custom 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components. The system is designed for modularity and reconfigurability. Open-source design files and build instructions are provided in this report. Additionally, proof of use experiments, particularly with Hydra and other organisms that combine the GLUBscope with an analysis pipeline, were demonstrated. Beyond the applications demonstrated, the system can be used or modified for various imaging applications.