Precise observation of C. elegans dynamic behaviours under controlled thermal stimulus using a mobile phone–based microscope

Abstract

We investigated the temperature-dependent locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans by using the mobile phone-based microscope. We developed the customized imaging system with mini incubator and smartphone to effectively control the thermal stimulation for precisely observing the temperature-dependent locomotory behaviours of C. elegans. Using the mobile phone-based microscope, we successfully followed the long-term progress of specimens of C. elegans in real time as they hatched and explored their temperature-dependent locomotory behaviour. We are convinced that the mobile phone-based microscope is a useful device for real time and long-term observations of biological samples during incubation, and can make it possible to carry out live observations via wireless communications regardless of location. In addition, this microscope has the potential for widespread use owing to its low cost and compact design.

A Compact Imaging Platform for Conducting C. elegans Phenotypic Assays on Earth and in Spaceflight

“…Its small size and ease of culture offer the ability to phenotype large populations offering statistical power, which can be a challenge with vertebrate models. Whole-organism phenotypic readouts in C. elegans typically involve examining animal behavior, locomotory prowess and survival in response to changes in environment [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…The need to increase assay throughout and reduce costs has led to the development of a variety of bespoke imaging solutions. Approaches range from the use of scanners for parallel imaging of nematodes on agar plates [ 23 , 24 ] to compact do-it-yourself (DIY) systems based on Raspberry Pi cameras [ 25 , 26 , 27 ] and smartphones [ 10 , 28 , 29 ]. Scanners offer a convenient means to increase C. elegans assay throughout, but are bulky and generate heat that requires significant customization to maintain temperature during the assay [ 23 ].…”

“…The smartphone microscopy approach has promise to create compact, portable C. elegans imaging systems with high-resolution displays and on-board computation. Current methods focus on high-magnification and multi-contrast imaging of C. elegans , lending to the inclusion of optical and mechanical elements [ 10 , 26 , 28 , 29 ]. These elements increase the complexity of the optical configuration and system size/weight.…”

Design of a 3D printed smartphone microscopic system with enhanced imaging ability for biomedical applications

“…These facets have limited the accessibility of the tool in resource‐limited regions (Breslauer et al ., ; Zhu et al ., ). Several research groups around the globe have recently been involved towards the development of a new platform using smartphone which can be reliably used for sensing of different physical and chemical parameters (Gallegos et al ., ; Lopez‐Ruiz et al ., ; Dutta et al ., ; Dutta et al ., ; Hossain et al ., ; Hussain et al ., ; Dutta et al ., ; Hussain et al ., ,b; Mutlu et al ., ; Chen et al ., ; Natesan et al ., ) and imaging of various biological samples (Vashist et al ., ; Knowlton et al ., ; Contreras‐Naranjo et al ., ; Scherr et al ., ; Yoon et al ., ; Sun & Hu, ; Jawale et al ., ; Purwar et al ., ). Currently, there are approximately 8.1 billion mobile phone subscribers around the world, and ∼40% of the phone subscribers use smartphones.…”

Nuclear morphometrics and chromatin condensation patterns as disease biomarkers using a mobile microscope

“…In addition, several studies have also shown the ability of mobile microscopes to capture static features of the cell, nucleus as well as single DNA molecules [2, 5–7]. Further it has also been used to measure the dynamic features of the cell such as its motility [8]. These methods have opened new avenues for mobile microscopes to be used as tools for clinical diagnostics to assess different types of human samples.…”