A review of Enhancing Microfluidic Research with Raspberry Pi: Affordable and Customizable Imaging and Automation Solutions

The fusion of Raspberry Pi miniature computer systems with microfluidic technology has transformed the creation of affordable, tailor-made analytical tools in life science research settings. This review examines the use of Raspberry Pi within the realm of microfluidics, particularly emphasizing its role in imaging techniques such as microscopy and automated image acquisition. By utilizing the affordability, adaptability, and wide availability of Raspberry Pi components, researchers have successfully conducted high-resolution imaging and analysis in areas including direct imaging of mammalian and bacterial cells, as well as a variety of image-dependent biochemical and molecular tests ranging from immunoassays and microbial growth studies to nucleic acid techniques like real-time-qPCR.The capabilities for controlling image capture offered by Raspberry Pi hardware can further be enhanced with integrated image analysis. The adoption of open-source hardware enables the creation of sophisticated laboratory instruments at significantly lower costs compared to proprietary systems, while also allowing for extensive customization to meet specific research requirements. Despite these advantages, there are still obstacles to overcome for those looking to implement open-source hardware in their projects. These challenges include the need for detailed assembly instructions, a certain level of skill from the operator, and access to rapid prototyping resources such as ۳D printing and additional components. These developments in open-source hardware hold promise for enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of experiments and applications that rely on microfluidics. This review explores the intersection between Raspberry Pi, a low-cost, versatile microcomputer, and microfluidics, a technology that manipulates small volumes of fluids through microchannels. The paper aims to highlight the potential of integrating Raspberry Pi into microfluidic systems to enhance their functionality and accessibility. By examining various applications and case studies, the review demonstrates how Raspberry Pi can be utilized for tasks such as data acquisition, process automation, and real-time monitoring in microfluidic experiments. The discussion includes an analysis of the technical capabilities of Raspberry Pi, its ease of use, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional microfluidic control systems.

Keywords:

_Raspberry pi , application , microfluidics , image detection