Open-Source Fluorescence Spectrometer for Noncontact Scientific Research and Education

Abstract

Transforming fluorescence spectrometers into costeffective, portable devices provides the potential for field-based applications in biological, environmental, and clinical research and education. However, the majority of developed spectroscopic technologies continue to require heavy, expensive equipment and trained personnel for operation or do not support multispectral analysis, thereby restricting their use in resource-limited environments. Herein, we report a wireless, portable, cost-effective, opensource fluorescence spectrometer (OpenFS) developed by compactly assembling optical and electronic elements in a 3D-printed housing. OpenFS outputs an accurate emission spectrum over a wide range of wavelengths and demonstrates greater sensitivity for fluorescence quantification compared to a conventional fluorometer. We demonstrate the functionality of OpenFS as a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based DNA sensor by detecting target DNA molecules with FRET efficiency and prove its utility as an Internet of Things device by performing wireless measurements and spectral analysis on a smartphone with a custom-developed Android application. This portable open-source spectrometer can lead to new opportunities in research and educational fields where fluorescence spectroscopy has not been available because of its cost and size and provides the potential for the development of mobile diagnostics platforms.