Creating a portable and affordable 3D imaging device using smartphones
Official title: Three-dimensional, Portable, Inexpensive, and Reusable Tomographic Microscopy
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10873254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable 3D imaging device that uses smartphones to help doctors and researchers see small, clear objects from different angles, making it easier to study them without needing fancy lab equipment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,711 |
| NIH project number | 5R03EB034871-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or institutions involved in biological research or medical diagnostics, particularly those in low-resource settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in biological research or do not require 3D imaging for medical diagnostics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of 3D imaging device that can be used for biological investigations and medical applications. By utilizing smartphones, the project aims to create a portable and low-cost Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) system that can capture images of small translucent objects from multiple angles to reconstruct a 3D volume. The device will be made from easily accessible materials, including 3D printed components and commercially available parts, making it feasible for use in various settings, especially those lacking advanced laboratory infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a cost-effective and accessible method for 3D imaging, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and biological research in under-resourced environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing smartphone technology for imaging, indicating that this approach could lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwork, Nicholas — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Dwork, Nicholas
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.