EnderScope: A low-cost 3D printer based scanning microscope for microplastic detection

The EnderScope is a novel, low-cost microscope for automated scanning and detection of microplastics in filtered seawater samples. This microscope is based on the mechanics of a low-cost 3D printer (Creality Ender 3). The hotend of the printer is replaced with an optics module, allowing for the reliable and calibrated motion system of the 3D printer to be used for automated scanning over a large area (>20x20 cm). Here we present the optical and mechanical validtion of the EnderScope. Along with data from some proof of concept experiments that show the EnderScope is capable of detecting plastics in environmental seawater samples.