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RIVAS PARDO LAB
Mechano-Biology Group

MICROSCOPY FOR EVERYONE
January, 2025
Did you know that there is a immense universe of cells in a single drop of water? We think the microscopy is one of the most thrilling and exciting experiences in Science, which could teach us more than we think.
We have organized several microscopy workshops, open to the university students but also our local communities. We have used origami microscopes, also known as FoldScope, a microscope developed by Prof. Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski (Stanford Univ).
Together with members of the lab we have implemented several options for illumination including fluorescence and polarization.
Recently, we have designed and built a brand new microscope based on 3D printing. With less than 30 pieces you could build your own microscope which is equipped with a CCD with USB connection enabling to acquire pictures of the micro-universe that surrounding us.
Check below for more information.
UMICRON: an educational microscope made of plastic
(updated on January 15, 2025)

The understanding of nature through the exploration of the microscopic world is fundamental to the advancement of scientific knowledge. However, the high costs of appropriate instrumentation make access difficult in many educational settings. This work presents the design and development of UMicron, an educational microscope aimed at promoting STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and exploring the fascinating microscopic world.
Manufactured using accessible and cost-effective technologies, such as 3D-printed components and microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, UMicron offers a customizable, lightweight, and robust design for various educational environments. With the integration of CMOS sensors and real-time documentation systems, the microscope allows students and educators to observe microorganisms and structures invisible to the naked eye, providing a unique window into the micro-world.
Additionally, its modular design encourages hands-on learning, enabling users to assemble, calibrate, and experiment while developing skills in electronics, programming, and optics. Following open-source principles, UMicron provides free blueprints, codes, and assembly guides, significantly reducing the costs associated with advanced microscopes. This makes it an accessible solution for schools with limited resources.
Beyond being an educational tool for biological and material sciences, UMicron inspires curiosity, technical skills, and interdisciplinary innovation, integrating STEM learning into classrooms and enabling new generations to explore the microscopic world in a technological and collaborative environment.



UMICRON: constant improvement and innovation
The Prototype: MICRON XL

Aiming to implement an educational tool, we designed and built a microscope ona alimuim frame with parts 3d printed. The microscope is equipped with a CMOS sensor a LED for illumination of the sample. The microscope is power with two AA batteries. (Built on June 2023)
(Built on June 2023)
MICRON Loupe

Biotechnology Program, UMayor 2020-2022
Saint Joseph School, 2020-2023
FECI, Explora RM Sur Poneniente 2021-2022
Feria Científica Cerro Navia, October 2022
School Estación Central, October 2022
Explora RM: Colegio Villa Maria 2023
Explora Araucanía & SoMiCh: Octubre 2023
Colegio Blumenthal: 2023-2024
MICRON Lego

Inspired with the idea of building a instrument aligned with the STEM education, we designed Mciron Lego a microscope with can be assably from simple building blocks. The miscroscope is equipped with a CMOS sensor and LED, both power through USB, which canbe connected to you coputer, tablet or cell phone.
Arduino-MICRON
Berry-MICRON
Biotechnology Program, UMayor 2020-2022
Saint Joseph School, 2020-2023
FECI, Explora RM Sur Poneniente 2021-2022
Feria Científica Cerro Navia, October 2022
School Estación Central, October 2022
Explora RM: Colegio Villa Maria 2023
Explora Araucanía & SoMiCh: Octubre 2023
Colegio Blumenthal: 2023-2024

MICROSCOPY WORKSHOPS
Biotechnology Program, UMayor 2020-2022
Saint Joseph School, 2020-2023
FECI, Explora RM Sur Poneniente 2021-2022
Feria Científica Cerro Navia, October 2022
School Estación Central, October 2022
Explora RM: Colegio Villa Maria 2023
Explora Araucanía & SoMiCh: Octubre 2023
Colegio Blumenthal: 2023-2024
Our goal is make microscopy open and closer to the people. For that we used simple tools, FoldScopes, microscopes made of paper, or Micron, a microscope 3D printed in our lab. The workshops could be focused to very young students, which in many times is the first time using a microscope, or to more advanced students. In the workshops we revised the basis of the microscopy, together some strategies to improve contrast such polarizer and color filters. Take a look of our on-line workshop during the COVID emergency and Micron, our first microscope fully made in the lab.
This outreach initiative is partially funded by FONDECYT 1221064 (ANID) and supported by the PhD program in Integrative Genomics and CGB at Universidad Mayor.