Mark Pierce

Publications (4)2.54 Total impact

• Source

  Available from: Edward A Graviss

  Article: Toward a low-cost compact array microscopy platform for detection of tuberculosis.

  Brian McCall, Mark Pierce, Edward A Graviss, Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Tomasz Tkaczyk
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  ABSTRACT: This paper describes the development of a microscope array capable of imaging separate fields of view without the need for opto-mechanical scanning components. This microscope array can be integrated with array illuminating optics, a full frame digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, and automated algorithms for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The entire array will fit within the area of a typical sputum smear. A custom miniature objective has been designed for this microscope array that has a numerical aperture of 0.5, optical resolution of 0.63 μm, and a field of view that is 0.54 mm in diameter. A single prototype miniature objective of this design has been built, and images are presented demonstrating its imaging performance. Images are sufficiently high quality for diagnostic use. When fully integrated, this device has the potential to significantly improve performance compared to conventional microscopy systems and to enable more effective diagnosis of tuberculosis at the point of care.
  Tuberculosis (Edinburgh, Scotland) 11/2011; 91 Suppl 1:S54-60. · 2.54 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: PubMed Central

  Article: High-resolution fiber-optic microendoscopy for in situ cellular imaging.

  Mark Pierce, Dihua Yu, Rebecca Richards-Kortum
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  ABSTRACT: Many biological and clinical studies require the longitudinal study and analysis of morphology and function with cellular level resolution. Traditionally, multiple experiments are run in parallel, with individual samples removed from the study at sequential time points for evaluation by light microscopy. Several intravital techniques have been developed, with confocal, multiphoton, and second harmonic microscopy all demonstrating their ability to be used for imaging in situ. With these systems, however, the required infrastructure is complex and expensive, involving scanning laser systems and complex light sources. Here we present a protocol for the design and assembly of a high-resolution microendoscope which can be built in a day using off-the-shelf components for under US$5,000. The platform offers flexibility in terms of image resolution, field-of-view, and operating wavelength, and we describe how these parameters can be easily modified to meet the specific needs of the end user. We and others have explored the use of the high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) in in vitro cell culture, in excised and living animal tissues, and in human tissues in vivo. Users have reported the use of several different fluorescent contrast agents, including proflavine, benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA), and fluoroscein, all of which have received full, or investigational approval from the FDA for use in human subjects. High-resolution microendoscopy, in the form described here, may appeal to a wide range of researchers working in the basic and clinical sciences. The technique offers an effective and economical approach which complements traditional benchtop microscopy, by enabling the user to perform high-resolution, longitudinal imaging in situ.
  Journal of Visualized Experiments 01/2011;
• Article: BiOS

  Andrew R. Miller, Gregory Davis, Mark Pierce, Z. Maria Oden, Rebecca Richards-Kortum
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  ABSTRACT: In many areas of the world, current methods for diagnosis of infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis involve microscopic evaluation of a patient specimen. Advances in fluorescence microscopy can improve diagnostic sensitivity and reduce time and expertise necessary to interpret diagnostic results. However, modern research-grade microscopes are neither available nor appropriate for use in many settings in the developing world. To address this need, we designed, fabricated, and tested a portable, battery-powered, bright field and fluorescence inverted field microscope, optimized for infrastructural constraints of the developing world. We characterized an initial prototype constructed with rapidprototyping techniques, which utilized low-cost, over-the-counter components such as a battery-powered LED flashlight as the light source. The microscope exhibited suitable spatial resolution (0.8 μm) in fluorescence mode to resolve M. tuberculosis bacilli. In bright field mode, malaria parasites were resolvable at 1000x magnification. The initial prototype cost 480 USD and we estimate that the microscope can be manufactured for 230 USD. While future studies are planned to evaluate ease-of-use and reliability, our current system serves as a proof of concept that combined fluorescence and bright field microscopy is possible in a low-cost and portable system.© (2010) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
  02/2010;
• Article: Wide-field and high-resolution optical imaging for early detection of oral neoplasia

  Mark Pierce, Kelsey Rosbach, Darren Roblyer, Tim Muldoon, Michelle Williams, Adel El-Naggar, Ann Gillenwater, Rebecca Richards-Kortum