Three-dimensional printing physiology laboratory technology

Abstract

Since its inception in 19th-century Germany, the physiology laboratory has been a complex and expensive research enterprise involving experts in various fields of science and engineering. Physiology research has been critically dependent on cutting-edge technological support of mechanical, electrical, optical, and more recently computer engineers. Evolution of modern experimental equipment is constrained by lack of direct communication between the physiological community and industry producing this equipment. Fortunately, recent advances in open source technologies, including three-dimensional printing, open source hardware and software, present an exciting opportunity to bring the design and development of research instrumentation to the end user, i.e., life scientists. Here we provide an overview on how to develop customized, cost-effective experimental equipment for physiology laboratories.

Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microdevices for studying plant reproduction

“…As it covers a range of scale from submillimetres to submicrometres, which is the size of most tissues, cells and molecules, MEMS is a versatile technology for various applications in plant biology. Moreover, other technology that covers larger scales from micro-to millimetre scales, such as microstereolithography [49] and 3D printing technology [50], could be combined with MEMS to realize practical PMIs (plant/machine interfaces) for larger material in the near future.…”

RHYTHM: An Open Source Imaging Toolkit for Cardiac Panoramic Optical Mapping

“…Recently, multiple labs have published on their efforts to use 3D printing to economically and independently customize their systems to specific experimental needs 35 , 36 . Here we present several potential applications of 3D printing in customizing a panoramic imaging system.…”

Advances and perspectives in tissue clearing using CLARITY

“…The two-chamber design with the rotational electrical field can clear mice brains and other organs within 3 days (table 2). While most chamber designs are freely and commercially available, setting up ETC is expensive, but 3D printing of shared designs may significantly reduces costs for experimenters and allow for organ-specific designs (Sulkin et al, 2013). An overview of the three ECT approaches and where to find free designs and commercial ETC chambers are summarised (table 1).…”