The compact digital microscope, made from recycled materials salvaged from discarded electronics, can help in scientific observation, particularly in resource-limited schools
BACOLOD, Philippines – In a world that often stifles the creativity of the less fortunate, Ceejay Faala, a 21-year-old science student from Negros Occidental, has managed to break through using little more than an empty highlighter and a desire to explore the unseen.
He created something born out of necessity and ingenuity. Using a discarded highlighter, Faala developed a pen-sized digital microscope, which he named the “penroscope.”
Faala, from Barangay Bagroy in Binalbagan, fashioned the “penroscope,” a device just 9×3 centimeters in size. Though small, it represents a larger idea: that innovation isn’t exclusive to the well-funded or privileged but belongs to anyone with curiosity and determination.
The name “penroscope” is a portmanteau of “pen” and “microscope.” The compact digital microscope, made from recycled materials salvaged from discarded electronics, can help in scientific observation, particularly in resource-limited schools.
The idea of a mini-microscope isn’t new though. Several compact, low-cost microscopes have been created, such as the foldscope, a paper-based microscope; smartphone microscopes that use clip-on lenses; and miniature digital microscopes that connect to devices. Faala’s work, however, stands out because it uses discarded electronics and is designed to be more affordable for underfunded schools.
As a 3rd-year student at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Faala always wanted a microscope, but the cost was prohibitive, and his school had few available. Rather than letting this stop him, Faala worked on his penroscope, which can connect to a smartphone, television, or desktop computer.
In August, he completed the project.
“It’s my way to innovate. It’s my way to invent things really out of something considered trash already. I am more than proud to share my creation to the entire Filipino nation,” Faala said. “My goal with the pencroscope is to provide access to scientific observation for schools that lack essential equipment, especially microscopes.”
He said he understands the challenges posed by the government’s slow procurement processes, which can prevent schools from acquiring necessary tools.
“This problem compromises their education, especially in courses that require scientific observation. The pencroscope’s digital nature sets it apart. It connects to phones or televisions, allowing students to witness and observe microscopic wonders invisible to the naked eye,” he said.
Faala’s creation allows the magnification of objects at a fraction of the cost of traditional microscopes. The current version magnifies up to 50 times, enabling the observation of small microorganisms like amoebas and ringworms in pond water.
“The lack of affordable microscopes inspired me to find a solution. I experimented with recycled materials from broken electronics to create a compact, affordable model,” he said.
Passion for science
Word of the penroscope quickly spread across campus. His professor, Alberto de la Cruz, was amazed by Faala’s ingenuity and immediately informed university officials.
CHMSU has since instructed De la Cruz to assist Faala in applying for a patent through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Dino Yulo, whose scholarship Faala benefits from, pledged support for the patent application.
“This could be Faala’s breakthrough,” Yulo said.
Looking ahead, Faala said he envisions mass-producing the penroscope, making it especially accessible to low-income students. He said it will be 10 times cheaper than a standard microscope.
With growing public interest, Faala remains protective of the invention’s finer details to safeguard his intellectual property.
Faala has been known for his creativity since grade school at Binalbagan Elementary School (BES) to high school at Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC). As a child, he once crafted a camera tripod from popsicle sticks, driven by his passion for creating.
“Since I was young I really loved to create and recreate things out of recyclable materials which, for others, seemed impossible,” he said, a quiet pride evident in his voice.
His passion for science runs deep, influenced by his parents – his father, an electronics enthusiast, and his mother, a biology lover – who fueled his desire to bridge gaps and find solutions.
“My father’s passion for electronics instilled in me a fascination with technology, while my mother’s love for biology sparked my curiosity about the natural world,” he said.
Though his love for science and electronics began in 2020, it was only last August, during the semester break, that he worked on the penroscope.
Faala is now working on further improvements to increase magnification to 340 times, allowing students to delve deeper into the microscopic world. – Rappler.com
