Smartphone-based “monitoring workstation” for contamination-free and on-site colorimetric detection of living cells

A smartphone-based "monitoring workstation" (SMW) for living cells has been developed, which is coupled with an independent complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and is compatible with any smartphone for rapid determination through digital image colorimetry (DIC). This SMW system encompasses multifunctional modules, such as high-quality image acquisition, synchronous data storage, wireless transmission, and automated data analysis. Our focus has been on routine and labor-intensive cell detection tasks, including cell viability, protein quantification, and lipid measurement, which can be achieved rapidly on-site with a custom-developed software installed in a smartphone. Consequently, this SMW system offers a promising platform for colorimetric point-of-care test (POCT) that is rapid, simple, cost-effective, and highly accurate, and it is not limited to any particular type or brand of smartphone. Graphical