By Elijah Espiritu
In the realm of scientific innovation, the quest for accessible and affordable technology often leads to groundbreaking solutions that transform traditional practices. The Make-roscope™ is a revolutionary device developed by Engr. Jeremy C. De Leon is set to change the way we approach microscopy. Combining ingenuity with practicality, the Make-roscope™ represents a significant leap in making scientific observation more accessible to students, researchers, and the general public.
With its compact and efficient nature, the Make-roscope™ acts as an attachment for mobile phone cameras to create a digital microscope that can fit in your pocket. The Make-roscope™ can also be carried around as a keychain for quick and easy use.
Driven by a vision to democratize scientific observation, De Leon came up with the Make-roscope™ as a solution for inaccessible microscopy equipment. This innovation serves as a nifty alternative to traditional compound light microscopes that are prohibitively much more expensive and bulky.
A vision for accessible microscopy
Recognizing a gap in accessible microscopy tools for research and educational purposes, De Leon formulated a product that utilizes the processing power of modern handheld devices as a tool for aiding science education. The resulting output is the Make-roscope™, a compact, affordable alternative to traditional microscopes
This innovative device is designed to be easily attached to the camera of a smartphone or tablet, converting it into a powerful magnifying tool capable of examining organisms and materials with magnifications ranging from 125x to 400x. Without any need for additional software or hardware, the Make-roscope™ effectively transforms phones and tablets into working microscopes.
To maximize its potential, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) provided funding for its pilot production. This support covered the acquisition of raw materials, assembly and packaging, distribution, and testing by relevant regulatory bodies.
Through the Eyepiece of Make-roscope™
Designed as a compact attachment, the Make-roscope™ is made with a high-quality lens system encased in a durable, user-friendly frame that can be secured near the actual camera lens of the devices. This modular approach allows users to quickly transform their mobile devices into functional microscopes without the need for complex setup or calibration.
By leveraging existing smartphone technology, and using cost-effective materials, De Leon created a bridge to accessibility by creating an affordable microscope for students, institutions, and people seeking more knowledge in microscopy.
The Make-roscope™ 's technology allows the magnification of camera lenses into the world of microscopy where users are enabled to view fine details of specimens up to the cells, bacteria, and small organisms. Its price and size make it an ideal tool for allowing individuals to engage in hands-on experimentation and observation without the constraints of traditional microscopy equipment.
Magnifying Make-roscope™’s ingenuity
The Make-roscope™ garnered much attention not only for its innovation but for its potential to contribute to the global pool of scientific knowledge. The device represents a significant step towards making scientific tools more accessible for educational and general use.
Recognizing its ingenuity, DOST-TAPI includes the Make-roscope™ in its final roster of participants for the NSTF-Thailand as part of its internationalization campaign.
“The Institute’s comprehensive programs are vital to starting inventors and innovators because we don’t have much reputation in the industry yet DOST-TAPI puts a lot of trust in our innovations that slowly through that trust we gain credit in the field.”
Engr. Jeremy C. De Leon
On the impact of DOST services on Make-roscope™
Currently, the Make-roscope™’s catalog includes a laboratory kit, a keychain version, and a 2024 version which is priced at only Php 549.00 ($ 9.73). These versions offer the updated 125x-400x magnification, with available sample slides for Php 199.00 ($ 3.53).
Looking Ahead: The Future of Make-roscope™ and International Collaboration
With its current trajectory, Make-roscope™ is set to locally become more widespread as it gains more popularity. Being a market-driven innovation, the product gains full support from the government in its journey towards globalization.
De Leon, together with his team at JereMake aims to produce and distribute units, as well as establish more partnerships, and secure potential investment networks for Make-roscope™ internationally.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the National Science and Technology (NST) Fair Thailand 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
