WO2020025811A1

WO2020025811A1 - Portable frugal device forming a microscope for observing a liquid medium, and kit for building such a microscope

Info

Publication number: WO2020025811A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/070930
Authority: WO
Inventors: David LE GUEN; Thibaut POLLINA; Sébastien COLIN; Noan LE BESCOT
Original assignee: Plankton Planet France
Priority date: 2018-08-03
Filing date: 2019-08-02
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: FR3084754A1

Abstract

The invention relates to the design and manufacture of a portable device that can be taken apart, forming a microscope for observing liquid media according to a principle of frugal innovation. The device comprises a hollow housing (4) delimiting an internal space in which are disposed a continuous flow observation chamber (48) intended for the passage of a liquid sample to be observed, a device for illuminating the observation chamber, an optical device for magnifying the sample (451), and a device (46) for focusing the observed sample, as well as means for continuously conveying liquid samples from a reservoir of liquid medium, said conveying means advantageously comprising a pump system providing the circulation of liquid sample towards said observation chamber.

Description

Frugal portable device forming a microscope for the observation of a liquid medium and kit for building such a microscope

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates, in general, to the design and production of a microscope for observing liquid media, in particular natural liquid media, according to a principle of frugal innovation, in particular for the observation of microorganisms evolving in natural aqueous environments (maritime or possibly lacustrine), such as plankton.

It also relates to a construction kit for the realization of such a microscope.

The invention is particularly suitable for wide dissemination to schools and the general public.

2. Technological background

In activities of discovery of marine ecosystems, it is known for students to observe and study tiny plants suspended in water, phytoplankton.

Plankton corresponds to all the organisms (plants and animals) whose movement is governed by currents. It has major ecological importance, since it is the basis of marine food chains. If pupils wish to observe planktonic organisms which are invisible to the naked eye, a microscope provides assistance for observation.

At present, it is necessary for students to take water from sea and analyze the sample in class or in the laboratory using a conventional microscope or a binocular magnifier, for example.

However, this observation requires multiple manipulations of the liquid sample (in particular pipetting and its preparation between a slide and a coverslip). Typically, a volume of water is placed on a slide, representing a drop, then a slide is placed on the sample, which holds the sample on the slide, by capillarity.

Furthermore, conventional microscopes are bulky and expensive due to the use of multiple optical elements (lenses). In addition to their relatively high cost, their particular handling and their fragile transport limit their use in laboratories and certain schools, in which pupils rarely have the opportunity to handle them.

No microscope which can be used directly on the site where the sample was taken has been marketed to date.

A portable optical observation device of Taiwanese origin is known as described in particular in the publication of US patent US 2017 / 02275519A1 (LIN CHENG MING), applicable essentially to the observation of the rate of mobility of the spermatozoa in animal sperm for sow insemination. The device described comprises two half-boxes respectively comprising a light source and an optical device fitted with a digital image analyzer, the latter being intended to send a signal representative of the mobility of the spermatozoa to a computer and a processing software. digital. This known device, although portable, remains sophisticated and complex to make and implement. It is suitable for the digital processing of images specific to its use on pig breeding farms, and does not inspire, directly or indirectly, the design of a frugal microscope kit, nor even the idea of such a microscope for the observation of plankton in school and extracurricular environments.

The microscope specimen holder is also known for the microscope described in the publication of international patent application WO2007 / 065711 (Europaisches Laboratorium for Molekularbiologie - EMBL). The objective of the innovation described in this prior document consists in providing a matrix for maintaining samples intended to be observed using microscopes of the SPIM (Single Plan Illumination Microscopy) type enabling optical sectioning. ) of biological samples by scanning the sample through an extra-thin laser sheet in fluorescent medium. This type of SPIM microscope requires that the sample be moved relative to the optical objective in order to implement the particular tomoscopy implemented. The support matrix allowing the fixing and the control of relative displacement of the samples comprises a polymer gel.

This prior device, which is implemented in a sealed observation chamber, does not describe or suggest in any way a frugal microscope for observation in an open environment of liquid samples taken from nature.

3. Statement of the invention The invention meets this need by proposing a removable portable device forming a microscope applicable to the observation in optical magnification of liquid samples, of the type intended for observing liquid samples coming from a reservoir of liquid medium to be observed, said device comprising : - on the one hand a hollow housing (10) delimiting an interior space in which are arranged:

- a continuous flow observation chamber intended for the passage of a liquid sample to be observed,

a device for lighting the observation chamber, an optical device for enlarging the sample, and

- a device for developing the observed sample; on the other hand, means for continuous routing of liquid samples from said liquid medium tank to said observation chamber, said observation chamber being supplied by said means for continuous routing of liquid samples.

Advantageously, said reservoir of liquid medium to be observed belongs to the group which comprises either the natural liquid medium itself (to which the microscope is connected by a tubular sampling system), or one or more receptacles into which one or more portions have been transferred of said liquid natural medium, ie a combination of direct access to the natural medium with at least one container where a portion of natural medium has been transferred. In a preferred embodiment, said means for continuously conveying liquid samples consist of at least one tubular element connected to said reservoir of liquid medium to be observed.

Advantageously, said means for continuous routing of liquid samples comprise a pump system ensuring the circulation of liquid samples from said reservoir of liquid medium to be observed towards said observation chamber. The pump system can for example be constituted by a peristaltic pump or even by a gravity pump system.

According to the embodiment, the pump system can be arranged in the hollow housing, or alternatively outside said housing.

In the case where the pump system operates by gravity, said pump system comprises for example two reservoirs containing the liquid medium to be observed and operating on the principle of communicating vessels, at least one of the reservoirs being at adjustable level so that the level of their respective contents is balanced, thus circulating the liquid sample in a tube connecting them and passing through the observation chamber. The two tanks are preferably subjected to the same atmospheric pressure. One of the reservoirs can also be supplied by subjecting it to a vacuum or partial pressure by a simple mechanical means actuated by the user. According to an advantageous characteristic, said means for continuously conveying liquid samples allow said liquid sample to pass in one direction as in the other in the observation chamber.

Advantageously, whether it is of the peristaltic or gravity type, said pump system is configured to be actuated by mechanical means belonging to the group comprising rotary knobs, movable sliders and push buttons, or any other means by which the user can simply operate the pump by his own action without external energy source. In a less ecological version, a battery-powered assistance system can be added.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the lighting device comprises either a means of conveying or concentrating the ambient natural light, or an artificial light source, for example of the LED type, provided where appropriate with a potentiometer to vary the light intensity. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises a focus adjustment means comprising means for moving the observation chamber relative to the optical magnification device. These displacement means can for example be constituted: either by a screw with a vertical axis of rotation causing the observation chamber to go up or down in order to modify the distance from the latter to the optical lens,

either by a rotary means with an eccentric surface and a horizontal axis of rotation, the use of which results in the upward or downward movement of the support of the observation chamber. Advantageously, the displacement means comprise at least one rotary wheel secured to the hollow housing containing the observation chamber.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the housing comprises a cover in which is mounted an optical magnification lens, as well as magnetic means for securing, said magnetic means serving for securing reversibly the magnification lens holder and / or a camera, in the form of a photo or video.

The invention also relates to a construction kit comprising a set of elements making it possible, when they are mounted / assembled together, to form a portable device forming a microscope of the type described above.

Advantageously, this construction kit comprises at least one housing element formed by 3D printing, and typically a set of separate elements that can be assembled by interlocking and / or snap-fastening. The observation chamber is advantageously produced by the superposition of a glass slide and a flow-cell type slide produced in 3D printing;

Such a microscope, whatever the variant chosen, is of a frugal design, of simple construction, of reduced size and formed of a small number of parts suitable for inexpensive construction and making it possible to transport it easily. The assembly is carried out in a very simple manner, the elements being assembled by interlocking or snap-fastening.

Such a microscope is also removable.

Such a microscope can be entirely mounted by a child in an extremely simple manner, in particular by means of cutouts, made of an inexpensive material and easily deformable and which, while having sufficient optical characteristics to allow interesting observations, presents, thanks its simplicity of construction and the material used, a relatively low cost price. Such a microscope is economical and suitable for transport, and allows rapid visual analysis of samples on site.

Such a microscope can be sold as a scientific toy or as a demonstration and educational device. 4. List of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of some embodiments, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting examples, and of the appended drawings, among which:

- Figure 1 shows a first example of embodiment of the frugal microscope according to the invention in its assembled configuration;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the pump mechanism, in the case where the routing of the liquid sample in the observation chamber is carried out by a peristaltic pump implemented in the microscope according to the invention, and

Figure 3 is an exploded view of an advantageous embodiment of the focusing device implemented in the microscope according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the housing according to the invention in its assembled configuration, according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 represents the mechanism of the pump in the case where the routing of the liquid sample in the observation chamber is carried out by a pump of the gravity pump type, implemented in the microscope according to a second embodiment . FIG. 6 represents an exploded view of the observation chamber intended to receive the liquid sample to be observed, according to a possible embodiment.

5. Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a portable and frugal microscope of reduced dimensions, intended in particular for the observation of living microorganisms in the aquatic environment.

Several elements allow by their judicious assembly the realization of such a microscope.

It includes an observation chamber intended to contain a liquid sample to be observed, a device for lighting the observation chamber, an optical device for magnifying the sample and a pump for sucking liquid in a flexible tube connected to the observation chamber.

Mainly intended for children, it is a very practical field microscope since it does not require any manipulation (such as pipetting or preparation between slide and slide) of the liquid sample.

It offers considerable magnification, and can be constructed very inexpensively.

Its use is also relatively simple. According to a first embodiment, it suffices to immerse one end of the flexible tube in the liquid (sea water, for example) that one wishes to observe and then to actuate a wheel to circulate the sample in front of a reduced optical objective to its minimum (one spherical lens).

Observation is then possible with the naked eye or via a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, and the observer can adjust the focus with another wheel. Beyond this simplicity of use, the microscope according to the invention is in the form of a kit which it is necessary to assemble before use.

This allows children to understand the internal mechanisms of the latter.

In a simplified version, the kit contains for example: - an illustrated assembly booklet,

- two A4 format boards in acrylic or MDF (for “medium density fiberboard”) 3mm thick, laser cut. Alternatively, the parts intended for mounting the device may be made of plastic, obtained from 3D printing or from a molding. - a fluid system comprising two silicone tubes, an observation chamber m-Slide I Luer from the company Ibidi in plastic with a capacity equal to 50 mI, 100 mI, 150 mI, or 200 mI and specific connectors,

According to another embodiment, the fluidic system comprises two silicone tubes, a flow-cell type observation chamber produced by the superposition of a blade, a structure produced in 3D printing drawing the path of the liquid and d '' 0.17mm glass cover.

- a pre-assembled minimalist electrical system (a 3V flat battery, a switch and an LED)

- alternatively, the electrical system switch is replaced by a potentiometer to vary the light intensity.

- a spherical magnification lens. The kit offers interesting dimensions because it can be shipped in an A4 format envelope.

The parts remain attached to the storage and transport boards until they are detached.

Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the kit offers dimensions allowing it to be stored in a box of limited volume, holding in the pocket of a garment.

The assembly of this kit is done by assembling the different parts, which in this example are precut in wood fiber panels (like medium density fiber panels or MDF (for "medium density fiberboard" in English) d 'thickness equal to 3mm, in acrylic sheets of thickness equal to 3mm.

Other materials can be used as long as they can be laser cut or shaped by 3D printing or plastic molding, and preferably having a thickness of 3mm.

Acrylic is thus a very good alternative by the variety of existing colors and by its greater resistance to abrasion and humidity.

The use of transparent acrylic makes it easier to visualize the liquid sample in the microscope and more easily detect any malfunctions. The assembly of the kit parts makes it possible to create the structure of the microscope as well as the internal mechanisms of the system.

No tools, adhesive, glue or accessories are necessary during assembly because all the parts forming the device are mechanically connected / assembled by reversible elastic snap-in (clipping).

Thus, no assembly step is irreversible, which makes it possible to dismantle and then reassemble the microscope as desired.

Description of the device according to a first embodiment.

There follows a description of a first embodiment of the invention illustrated by the attached Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 1 is a view of such a portable device forming a microscope 1 according to the invention in the assembled configuration of a first embodiment.

It comprises a hollow housing 10 delimiting an interior space and comprises a cover 101 and a bottom plate 102 connected by a curved peripheral wall 103.

The cover 101, the bottom plate 102 and the peripheral wall 103 are assembled together by reversible snap-fastening. This snap-fitting is carried out conventionally by cooperation of male and female elements.

Two openings on the cover 101 partly show the observation chamber 21 of the microscope, and in particular the inlet and outlet orifices 211 and 212 which are fluidly connected to a channel for receiving a liquid sample to be observed ( i.e. subject to microscopic examination). An optical enlargement device comprising a single optical lens 11 is disposed on the cover 101 and makes it possible to observe the liquid sample taken.

The housing carries a first wheel 12 of vertical axis of rotation acting on a peristaltic pump, described below, and a second wheel 13 of a focusing system, described below, having a horizontal axis of rotation.

These notched knobs 12, 13 are located at the peripheral wall 103, the knurled wheel 12 protruding from the housing.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the observation chamber 21 takes the form of a transparent microscopic slide or slide having a channel 213 for receiving a liquid, the channel 213 having an inlet 211 for liquid at the level of a first orifice of the channel 213 and an outlet 212 of liquid at a second orifice of the channel, communicating respectively with a flexible tube for inlet or injection of liquid and on the other hand with a flexible tube for outlet or d liquid evacuation.

The end of the first tube, called the inlet tube, is intended to be immersed in the medium that one wishes to observe. The inlet tube extends inside the housing 10 of the microscope 1 and is connected to the inlet 211 of the observation chamber 21 by means of a connector. The second tube, called the outlet tube, 14 is intended to expel the liquid which has already passed through the fluidic system. The outlet tube 14 is connected to it at the outlet 212 of the observation chamber 21, passes through the peristaltic pump described below and finally comes out of the housing 10 of the microscope. The observation chamber 21 can thus be filled by flow and is lit by a lighting device 27 here comprising a light source of LED type.

At the end of the assembly, a closed housing 10 is then obtained from which the two flexible silicone inlet and outlet tubes exit through an opening 1031 (only the outlet tube 14 is shown in the figures), said tubes passing through the pump.

There is therefore no X and Y axis as there is on conventional microscopes to perform the exploration of a sample.

The use of the microscope according to the invention is therefore relatively simple and particularly suitable for children.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mechanism of the peristaltic pump 30 implemented in the microscope 1 according to the invention, showing the pump body 31 which has a circular central opening in which two eccentric compression rollers 32 are housed and two bearings 34. The rollers 32 and bearings 34 are crossed by an axis 33. The flexible outlet pipe 14 is wound around the eccentric rollers 32 of compression against the circular wall of the circular opening of the pump body 31 (it makes a loop in the pump body 31).

The peristaltic pump 30 is a positive displacement pump, which is based on the alternating compression and decompression of the flexible tube 14 where the liquid to be pumped progresses, in this case the outlet tube, similar to the functioning of the throat or of the human gut.

The rotor formed by the rotary compression rollers 32 is supported along the length of the tube 14, compressing it against the walls of the opening circular of the pump body 31, so as to create a high vacuum which has the effect of sucking the liquid towards the observation chamber by the inlet tube (not visible) and its expulsion outside the suction chamber through the outlet tube 14. The rollers 32 which close off portions of the outlet pipe 14 during their rotation will move the retained fluid in the same direction. The suction of the fluid at the inlet of the pump is possible due to the elasticity of the pipe 14.

The liquid sample taken from the sea is entrained in this fluidic system by setting in motion the manual peristaltic pump 30. It suffices to rotate a thumb wheel 12, connected to the pump, in one direction or the other to advance or retract the liquid in the fluidic system.

The wheel 12 is integral with the eccentric rollers 32 of compression.

Note that a connecting piece 35 reversibly connects the body 31 of the peristaltic pump 30 to the housing 10 of the microscope 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the focusing device implemented in the microscope according to the invention. invention showing the rear plate 24 of the housing 10, the front plate 25 in which are formed notches 251 for passage of the tube, the blade 21 forming the observation chamber, and a blade support 22 which comes to bear on the upper edge of the front and rear plates 25, 24 by means of tongues 221 cooperating with notches 252 formed on said plates 24, 25.

A plate 23 carrying the light source is secured to the front and rear plates 25, 24 by means of tongues 231 cooperating with lights 253 of rectangular shape formed on said plates 24, 25. Under the plate 23 is arranged a rod 33 which is connected at each of its ends to a thumb wheel 131 and an eccentric 132 juxtaposed which come to be fitted on the rod 33.

The two ends of the plate 23 carry an axis 232 which is housed in a light 1321 in an arc formed in the wheel 132.

Thus, when the knobs 13 consisting of knobs 131 and 132 are moved in rotation, the axis 232 moves in the light 1321 which causes the upward or downward movement of the plate 23, the rear plates 24 and front 25 , of the blade support 22, and therefore of the sample located in the blade 21. This mechanism allows adjustment of the focus or the focus (or sharpness) necessary to make quality observations.

It is thus possible to modify the distance between the observation chamber 21 and the lens 11 which is integral with the cover 101. The focusing is obtained by bringing the object examined closer or closer to the objective (lens 11) . To do this, it suffices to rotate the lateral knobs 131 which are secured to eccentrics 132.

In these eccentrics 132 are engaged on either side the axes 232 of a sliding support plate 23 which supports the observation chamber 21 and which can go up and down. The observation chamber 21 containing the sample taken is thus arranged movable in translation along the optical axis of the microscope 1. It is thus possible to adjust the sharpness of the image by adjusting the position of the sample along the optical axis. An optical device with a single lens has the advantage that the adjustment of the image can be done by this single movement, without the need to adapt the positions of the other elements. This clearly facilitates both the design of microscope 1, and the adjustment of microscope 1, which is thus accessible to all, and does not require the presence of a specialized operator.

To observe a sample, the user proceeds as follows.

After having driven the liquid sample to the front of the optical path by actuating the drive wheel 12 for driving the peristaltic pump 30, it is necessary to actuate a switch or a potentiometer in order to illuminate and observe the sample, by adjusting the focus if necessary using the dials 13.

The observation can be made with the naked eye by looking through the lens 11 located on the cover 101 or by positioning a portable terminal of the smartphone or tablet type flat on the cover 101 of the microscope 1 facing the lens 11 Alternatively, a camera can be positioned advantageously opposite the lens for observation on a larger screen.

According to a particular implementation, a magnetic fastening means is arranged under the cover. It allows the portable terminal of smartphone or tablet type (used as a photographic or videographic camera) to be held in position on the top of the cover 101 facing the lens 11 by the addition of a additional magnetic fastening means on said portable terminal. These joining means allow the reversible fixing of said portable terminal and the maintenance of its objective opposite the lens 11. Description of the device according to a second embodiment.

There follows a description of a second embodiment illustrated by the attached FIGS. 4 to 6.

Figure 4 is a view of a hollow housing 4 according to the invention in a second embodiment.

Said housing delimits an interior space consisting of four walls 41, 42, 43 and 44 assembled together by reversible snap-fastening. It is covered by a cover 45 integrating an optical enlargement device comprising a single optical lens 451 which makes it possible to observe the liquid sample taken. The cover 45 incorporates magnetic fastening means, serving to securely fasten a portable terminal for photographic or videographic shooting as described in the first embodiment.

The housing carries a wheel 46 of vertical axis of rotation, projecting from the housing, secured to a vertical threaded rod present within the housing. Said screw transforming the rotational movement applied to the dial into translational movement of the support 47 of the observation chamber 48 from top to bottom and vice versa. By this embodiment, the distance from the observation chamber 48 to the optical lens 451 is modified, acting on the focusing necessary for the observation of the sample.

The support 47 of the observation chamber 48, sliding within the housing, integrates a bolt receiving the above-mentioned screw. The support 47 of the observation chamber 48 also incorporates the LED of the lighting device, positioned opposite the optical lens 451 integrated into the cover 45. The observation chamber 48 is slid onto its support 47, between the focusing device and the cover 45 integrating the optical lens 451 of the enlargement device.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the pump system in the case where the routing of the liquid sample in the observation chamber 48 is carried out by a pump of the gravity pump type 5. This type of pump is used works using two tanks 51 and 52, at least one of which is adjustable. Subject to the same atmospheric pressure, the level of their respective contents is balanced. At least one of the two tanks is mounted on a rack 511 or 521 brought into contact with a toothed wheel 53. A rotary wheel thus makes it possible to raise or lower the tank.

Advantageously, the two tanks 51 and 52 can be mounted on racks 511 and 521 brought into contact with a single toothed wheel 53. The synchronous and opposite movement of the two tanks allows in this case a displacement of the larger associated sample at a lower range of motion of the tanks.

Such an embodiment of the pump allows the passage of the liquid sample in the observation chamber 48 in one direction as in the other.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the observation chamber 48, of flow-cell type, takes the form of a circuit 481 where the liquid sample circulates, said circuit being produced by 3D printing and positioned between a blade 482 and a 0.18mm glass cover 483. According to this embodiment, the circuit taken by the liquid sample necessarily passes through the observation surface, corresponding to the location of the LED and of the optical lens 451 once the device has been assembled. The observation chamber, according to this embodiment, has at one of its ends two orifices 484 and 485 intended to be connected to the inlet and outlet tubes of the liquid sample in the observation chamber 48. These silicone tubes are connected to the two reservoirs 51 and 52 at their base by a system of fittings 512 and 522.

Regardless of the embodiment considered, a rinsing of the fluidic system can be carried out after use by soaking the two tubes in clear water and by actuating for a certain duration the thumb wheel 12 driving the peristaltic pump 30, or the Gravity pump drive wheel 5.

The microscope 1 or 4 thus formed is portable and easily transportable (it can be slipped into the pocket of a garment).

Although it is extremely simple in structure, it can be used to conduct scientific examinations, either as part of school work or during scientific work outdoors, when it is not possible to take a heavy microscope, provided of course that there is no need for a high optical magnification.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this microscope which have just been described above by way of examples. On the contrary, it embraces all the variant embodiments thereof, including the combination of the two embodiments described above by way of example.

Claims

1. Removable portable device forming a microscope applicable to the observation in optical magnification of liquid samples,

of the type intended for observing liquid samples from a reservoir of liquid medium to be observed,

characterized in that it comprises:

on the one hand, a hollow box delimiting an interior space in which are arranged:

- a lighting device for the observation chamber, and,

- an optical device for magnifying the sample;

on the other hand, means for the continuous routing of liquid samples from said liquid medium reservoir to said observation chamber

said observation chamber being supplied by said means for continuously conveying liquid samples.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said liquid medium reservoir to be observed belongs to the group comprising:

- the liquid natural medium itself;

- at least one container into which a portion of said liquid natural medium has been transferred;

- a plurality of said tanks;

- a combination of the above means.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said means for continuous routing of liquid samples consist of at least one tubular element connected to said reservoir of liquid medium to be observed.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said means for continuous routing of liquid samples comprise a pump system ensuring the circulation of liquid samples from said liquid medium reservoir to be observed towards said chamber observation.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said pump system allowing the passage of the liquid sample in the observation chamber belongs to the group comprising peristaltic pumps and gravity pumps.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the case where the pump system operates by gravity, said pump system comprises two reservoirs containing the liquid medium to be observed and operating on the principle of communicating vessels, at least one reservoirs being at adjustable level so that the level of their respective contents is balanced, thereby circulating the liquid sample in a tube connecting them and passing through the observation chamber.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said means for continuous routing of liquid samples allow the passage of said liquid sample in one direction as in the other in the observation chamber,

8 .. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said pump system, whether of the peristaltic or gravity type, is configured to be actuated by mechanical means belonging to the group comprising the knobs rotary, movable strips and push buttons.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lighting device belongs to the group comprising at least one of the following elements:

- a means of transporting or concentrating ambient natural light;

- an artificial light source;

- a potentiometer to vary the light intensity.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a focus adjustment means comprising means for moving the observation chamber relative to the optical magnification device belonging to the group comprising :

- a screw with a vertical axis of rotation raising or lowering the observation chamber in order to modify the distance from the latter to the optical lens.

- A rotary means with an eccentric surface and a horizontal axis of rotation, the use of which results in the upward or downward movement of the support of the observation chamber.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the displacement means comprise at least one rotary wheel secured to the hollow housing containing the observation chamber.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing comprises a cover in which is mounted an optical magnification lens.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said housing comprises magnetic means for securing, said magnetic means serving for securing in a reversible manner at least one of the following elements:

- a magnification lens holder;

- a camera, in the form of a photo or video.

14. Construction kit comprising a set of elements, allowing when assembled / assembled together, to form a portable device forming a microscope according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Construction kit according to claim 14 characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following elements:

- at least one housing element formed by 3D printing;

- an observation chamber produced by the superposition of a glass slide and a flow-cell type slide produced in 3D printing;

- a set of separate elements which can be assembled by interlocking and / or

snap.