Fold Scope: A Low-Cost Magnification Device and Its Applications in Various Fields

Environmental Quality Mgmt

Yesudhason

et al. 2023

Earthworms are extensively referred as farmer's friends, play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and promoting agricultural sustainability. Based on the ecological distribution of numerous species in soil the epigeic earthworms were taken into consideration as they have an excellent source for vermicomposting. In addition to this, earthworms also have a tremendous regeneration ability varies depending on the species. Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus are the two epigeic earthworm species were taken for the study. Species identification of newly hatched and juvenile earthworms are very difficult, due to its smaller size, immature body segments, and absence of clitellum. Here, we used foldscope (a paper‐microscope) as an ideal tool for species identification by live examining the morphological characteristics, internal organs, and regeneration ability of newly hatched and juvenile earthworms, precisely. Notably, clear differentiation in the arrangement of setae and numbers of hearts present in both species were observed using a foldscope microscope. Regeneration studies reveals that both the species have prodigious regeneration potential at their newly hatched and juvenile stages which is identified and documented with foldscope. However, both species are environmentally and economically important, and their precise identification is very vital for environmental restoration, research, and agriculture practices.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Regeneration Studies Of Newly Hatched and Juvenile Earthworm...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Live foldscope imaging of two environmentally beneficial earthworm species and their early developmental stages

Environmental Quality Mgmt

Yesudhason

et al. 2023

“…Nowadays many researches have been carried out in the field of medicine, agriculture, forensic science, environmental science, food and nutrition, sanitation, animal health care, respectively with the aid of foldscope (Jadhav, Bokefode, Ghodake, Borade, & Gidvir, 2018). Foldscope microscope was used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer (Chikkala & Rachel, 2019), detection of bioactive compounds from plant cells (Shekhaliya, Tank, & Pandya, 2019), capability to screen parasitic infections in animals (Palanivelrajan, Manoj Dhanraj, Sreekumar, & Senthilkumar, 2019), studying important microbes in the agriculture field (Sabarinathan, Gomathy, Arun Kumar, & Kannan, 2019), and for identification of food borne pathogens, respectively (Banerjee, 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and toxicological studies using foldscope microscope

Yesudhason

Cell Biology International

et al. 2020

Zebrafish (Danio rerio), is a well‐established vertebrate animal model widely used in developmental biology and toxicological research. In the present study, foldscope is used as an innovative tool to study the developmental stages and toxicological analysis of the zebrafish embryos. Briefly, the developmental stages, such as zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, and pharyngula formation are observed and documented using simple foldscope. Toxicological parameters upon exposure to different concentration of ethanol extract of Curcuma longa and its lead compound, ar‐turmerone along with rhodamine B (bio‐coupler) on zebrafish embryos are analyzed upto 72 hr using foldscopes in live condition. The lethal endpoints, such as coagulation, lack of somite formation, non‐detachment of tail, and lack of heartbeat are clearly monitored and documented using foldscope. Bio‐evaluation of test compounds with the aid of foldscope confirms that the toxicity is directly proportional to the concentration. Our results conclude that, ethanol extract of C. longa, ar‐turmerone and rhodamine B exposed embryos remains healthy up to 96, 48, and 24 µg concentrations, respectively. Embryos exposed to higher concentrations become coagulated, however normal physiological active movement of tail lashing and heartbeat are evident in lower concentration exposed embryos. Except coagulation, no other abnormalities are observed and interestingly, the hatching ability is not delayed, when compared with the control embryos. It is confirmed that the test compounds are not highly toxic to zebrafish embryos. Hence it can be used for further analysis, especially for studying the neural‐regeneration and its neuronal development in zebrafish embryos.

“…This variable imaging capability of foldscope over conventional microscopes is an ideal advantage. Foldscope is widely used in many sectors, including health sciences, agriculture, biodiversity, diagnosis, public health and awareness, education, developmental biology, and forensic sciences (Jadhav et al, 2018) as described in Table 1. As a result, foldscope has been a hit in detecting a variety of undiscovered microorganisms.…”

Section: Alternative To Conventional Microscopesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Foldscope microscope, an inexpensive alternative tool to conventional microscopy—Applications in research and education: A review

Microscopy Res & Technique

Venkatachalam

et al. 2022

Microscope is a device used for the visualization of tiny objects which are not visible to the naked eye. Traditional microscopes have been crucial for the advancement of contemporary science and medicine. Recent advancements in the field of microscopy have fueled its exponential growth rate. However, due to their expensive cost and complicated structure, modern microscopes remain inaccessible to the majority of the public. Nonetheless, the foldscope paper microscope has made it possible for anyone to explore and understand the world of microbes and organisms. In this review, we have listed foldscope-based research projects in various domains, as well as their key properties when compared to traditional research microscopes. In addition, we have briefly explored the impact of a foldscope microscope on public health, clinical diagnostics, forensic science, agriculture, basic science, developmental biology, and education. Moreover, the major drawbacks of paper microscopes and the current steps being taken to upgrade foldscope and its features are discussed in this review. Finally, we have concluded with our perspective that the microscope may be updated to imitate the advancement of a conventional microscope. Research Highlights• The foldscope, a low-cost instrument for studying the microscopic world.• Foldscope applications were compared to conventional microscopes in many sectors.• The foldscope microscope's existing limitations and potential prospects are highlighted.