A 3D-printed hand-powered centrifuge for molecular biology

Abstract

The centrifuge is an essential tool for many aspects of research and medical diagnostics. However, conventional centrifuges are often inaccessible outside of standard laboratory settings, such as remote field sites, because they require a constant external power source and can be prohibitively costly in resource-limited settings and Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-focused programs. Here we present the 3D-Fuge, a 3D-printed hand-powered centrifuge, as a novel alternative to standard benchtop centrifuges. Based on the design principles of a paper-based centrifuge, this 3D-printed instrument increases the volume capacity to 2 mL and can reach hand-powered centrifugation speeds up to 6,000 rpm. The 3D-Fuge devices presented here are capable of centrifugation of a wide variety of different solutions such as spinning down samples for biomarker applications and performing nucleotide extractions as part of a portable molecular lab setup. We introduce the design and proof-of-principle trials that demonstrate the utility of low-cost 3D-printed centrifuges for use in remote field biology and educational settings.

Takeaways from Mobile DNA Barcoding with BentoLab and MinION

“…We did not test the Flongle for this study as the R10.3 chemistry is presently limited to MinION flow cells. Nevertheless, the field of on-site nanopore barcoding is rapidly growing, and researchers are increasingly finding creative ways to reduce costs, such as 3D-printing of centrifuges to complement spin-column kit extractions [ 79 , 80 , 81 ]. We expect that as novel techniques emerge and technologies are refined, the cost of in situ nanopore barcoding is likely to fall even more in the near future.…”

Genetic Biomonitoring and Biodiversity Assessment Using Portable Sequencing Technologies: Current Uses and Future Directions

“…Recent years have seen tremendous progress in miniaturization, leading to ever smaller and cheaper biotechnological devices available [43]. Common tasks like centrifugation, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification, PCR, restriction digestion or ligation can now be performed routinely using portable and battery or even hand-powered devices [38,44,45].…”

“…Next, DNA extraction and purification steps can be conducted using a variety of strategies or commercial kits. Spin-column based nucleotide extraction kits have been shown to be useful for field experiments, as reagents can be stored at room temperature and the primary piece of equipment required can be a small commercial centrifuge or even a 3D-printed hand-powered centrifuge device [44]. Miniaturized thermocyclers, such as those manufactured by miniPCR or MiniOne Systems, can be powered by a portable battery back to carry out PCR amplification or heat-block steps in remote settings [38].…”

ElectroPen: An ultra-low–cost, electricity-free, portable electroporator

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