An Open-Source Plate Reader

Abstract

Microplate readers are foundational instruments in experimental biology and bioengineering that enable multiplexed spectrophotometric measurements. To enhance their accessibility, we here report the design, construction, validation, and benchmarking of an open-source microplate reader. The system features full-spectrum absorbance and fluorescence emission detection, in situ optogenetic stimulation, and stand-alone touch screen programming of automated assay protocols. The total system costs less than $3500, a fraction of the cost of commercial plate readers, and can detect the fluorescence of common dyes at concentrations as low as ∼10 nM. Functional capabilities were demonstrated in the context of synthetic biology, optogenetics, and photosensory biology: by steady-state measurements of ligand-induced reporter gene expression in a model of bacterial quorum sensing and by flavin photocycling kinetic measurements of a LOV (light–oxygen–voltage) domain photoreceptor used for optogenetic transcriptional activation. Fully detailed guides for assembling the device and automating it using the custom Python-based API (Application Program Interface) are provided. This work contributes a key technology to the growing community-wide infrastructure of open-source biology-focused hardware, whose creation is facilitated by rapid prototyping capabilities and low-cost electronics, optoelectronics, and microcomputers.

Twister3: a simple and fast microwire twister

“…Combined with a growing ecosystem of open-source hardware, e.g. for microscopic imaging [20, 21, 22], DNA amplification [23], audio monitoring [24], culture plate-reading [25], bacterial evolution [26], and closed-loop small animal experimentation [27, 28], these tools will permit labs to be completely outfitted with high-performance, low-cost, open-source tools. We believe this trend will increase the accessibility, transparency, and quality of scientific research in general [29].…”

Leveraging Open Hardware to Alleviate the Burden of COVID-19 on Global Health Systems

“…In particular, DETECTR combines RT-LAMP [84] with Cas12a, requiring only pipettes and two heat blocks or water baths in terms of instrumentation. The readout can be done via inexpensive lateral flow strips, through a plate reader, for which open hardware alternatives exist [25], or if need be even by eye. Although most of these enzymes and protocols are patent locked, they would be available for manufacturing and use in areas where patents were not filed, which likely includes many countries in the global South.…”

“…Now the same group is stepping up to meet the challenges of COVID-19, for example in the form of a daily curated newsletter [20]. More generally, existing community driven FOSH designs relevant to the current situation range from simple tools like DIY-facemasks [21,22] or 3D printed valves to regulate airflow in ventilator tubes [23] to state-of-the-art scientific instruments for diagnosis such as an automated pipetting robot [24], plate readers [25] as well as a wide range of medical tools and supplies [18]. Diverse further initiatives, including numerous designs for FOSH ventilators [26-34] are well underway.…”

A DIY approach to automating your lab

“…But that's a commitment that requires a significant investment of time and energy. Chow's project needed 3D printed parts, custom circuit boards and laser-cut components 3 , not to mention bespoke Python scripts and an inventory of some 121 parts.…”