Three Dimensional (3D) Printing: A Straightforward, User-Friendly Protocol To Convert Virtual Chemical Models to Real-Life Objects

Rossi, Sergio; Benaglia, Maurizio; Brenna, Davide; Porta, Riccardo; Orlandi, Manuel

doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.5b00168

Cited by 65 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Recent advances in 3D printing have led to an increase in availability and accessibility of this technology . This allows for the creation of detailed and structurally relevant physical models of complex molecules in a cost‐effective and user‐friendly manner .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Creating 3D physical models to probe student understanding of macromolecular structure

Cooper

Oliver-Hoyo

2017

Biochem Molecular Bio Educ

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The high degree of complexity of macromolecular structure is extremely difficult for students to process. Students struggle to translate the simplified two-dimensional representations commonly used in biochemistry instruction to three-dimensional aspects crucial in understanding structure-property relationships. We designed four different physical models to address student understanding of electrostatics and noncovalent interactions and their relationship to macromolecular structure. In this study, we have tested these models in classroom settings to determine if these models are effective in engaging students at an appropriate level of difficulty and focusing student attention on the principles of electrostatic attractions. This article describes how to create these unique models for four targeted areas related to macromolecular structure: protein secondary structure, protein tertiary structure, membrane protein solubility, and DNA structure. We also provide evidence that merits their use in classroom settings based on the analysis of assembled models and a behavioral assessment of students enrolled in an introductory biochemistry course. By providing students with three-dimensional models that can be physically manipulated, barriers to understanding representations of these complex structures can be lowered and the focus shifted to addressing the foundational concepts behind these properties. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(6):491-500, 2017.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Creating 3D physical models to probe student understanding of macromolecular structure

Cooper

Oliver-Hoyo

2017

Biochem Molecular Bio Educ

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“…Many evaluated the existing technologies and designed novel technically easy printing processes for all printer types, including low-cost printers. Rossi, Benaglia, Brenna, Porta, and Orlandi (2015) developed a simple procedure for converting protein data bank files into stereolithography with accurate geometry via the Virtual Molecular Dynamic software. describe how the National Institutes of Health 3D Print Exchange website can be used to make the 3D printing process less technical.…”

Section: Design Process 4: Tck + Pck To Tpackmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Journal of Chemical Education, 94 (9), 1265-1271. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00953. Rossi, S., Benaglia, M., Brenna, D., Porta, R., & Orlandi, M. (2015). Three dimensional (3D) printing: A straightforward, user-friendly protocol to convert virtual chemical models to real-life objects.…”

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confidence: 99%

A systematic review of 3D printing in chemistry education – analysis of earlier research and educational use through technological pedagogical content knowledge framework

Pernaa

Wiedmer

2019

Chemistry Teacher International

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The focus of this systematic literature analysis is to provide a comprehensive review of earlier research on the utilisation of 3D printers in chemistry education. The objective is to offer research-based knowledge for developing chemistry education through following research questions: what kind of work has been done in the field of 3D printing in chemistry education; what kind of design strategies have been implemented; how 3D printing has been used in chemistry education research. The data consists of 47 peer-reviewed articles which were analysed via qualitative content analysis using a technological pedagogical content knowledge framework. Theoretical framework was selected because integrating 3D printing in chemistry education requires knowledge of chemistry, technology, and most importantly, pedagogy. Our research indicates that integrating 3D printing begins by analysing current challenges which are reasoned via pedagogical or technological content knowledge-based arguments. 3D printing was used for producing solutions (e.g. physical models) that support working with found challenges. In chemistry education research, 3D printing has mainly been used for printing research instruments; few studies have investigated its effect on learning or students’ perceptions towards it. There is a great need for comprehensive student-centred pedagogical models for the use of 3D printing in chemistry education.

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“…3D models have already been widely employed by researchers and educators across various scientific disciplines to encourage user engagement, enhance understanding of structural biology, and to facilitate intuitive communication of ideas. [3][4][5][6] With the advent and proliferation of 3D printing, there has been renewed interest in representing a wide variety of complex biological and chemical shapes to allow for a tactile learning experience. 7 Organic chemistry and structural biology, which are inherently 3D sciences, are ideally positioned to benefit from physical models.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skeletides: A Modular, Simplified Physical Model of Protein Secondary Structure

Asachi

Nguyen

Dang

et al. 2020

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

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Three-dimensional (3D) models are essential for visualization and conceptual understanding of complex architectures such as protein structure. Although there is a plethora of software platforms that allow digital depictions of protein structure at an atomic level in silico, physical models are needed to convey an intuitive understanding of biomolecular architecture. However, it is a challenge to represent all the relevant features of proteins in a single physical model due to their sheer structural complexity. Here, we describe a modular protein model that focuses only on representation of the secondary structure-the underlying structural skeleton. The simplified model consists of amino acid units, which can be linked together to reproduce the two most fundamental structural features of protein secondary structure: the relative positions of the amino acid alpha carbon atoms, and the intramain chain hydrogen bonding pattern. We use 3D printing and magnets to create a set of three modular amino acid building blocks, which when linked together into a chain, can faithfully represent alpha helices, beta sheets, and turns. These simple to make models can be used to quickly assemble the alpha carbon trace of an entire protein domain, which conveys a tactile experience of the complexity of protein skeletal architecture. These models highlight the modularity of protein structure: where a single structural unit, the amino acid, can be linked together to form a larger, regular secondary structure. These models also have a propensity to spontaneously organize into alpha helices and beta sheets, as demonstrated by their ability to autonomously assemble when placed in a circulating water tank. These models provide a missing educational tool to expand knowledge of protein structure, foster deeper insight into protein folding, and inspire greater interest in biomacromolecular architecture.

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Three Dimensional (3D) Printing: A Straightforward, User-Friendly Protocol To Convert Virtual Chemical Models to Real-Life Objects

Cited by 65 publications

References 24 publications

Creating 3D physical models to probe student understanding of macromolecular structure

Creating 3D physical models to probe student understanding of macromolecular structure

A systematic review of 3D printing in chemistry education – analysis of earlier research and educational use through technological pedagogical content knowledge framework

Skeletides: A Modular, Simplified Physical Model of Protein Secondary Structure

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