The Field Guide to 3D Printing in Microscopy

Abstract

The maker movement has reached the optics labs, empowering researchers to actively create and modify microscope designs and imaging accessories. 3D printing has especially had a disruptive impact on the field, as it entails an accessible new approach in fabrication technologies, namely additive manufacturing, making prototyping in the lab available at low cost. Examples of this trend are taking advantage of the easy availability of 3D printing technology. For example, inexpensive microscopes for education have been designed, such as the FlyPi. Also, the highly complex robotic microscope OpenFlexure represents a clear desire for the democratisation of this technology. 3D printing facilitates new and powerful approaches to science and promotes collaboration between researchers, as 3D designs are easily shared. This holds the unique possibility to extend the open-access concept from knowledge to technology, allowing researchers from everywhere to use and extend model structures. Here we present a review of additive manufacturing applications in microscopy, guiding the user through this new and exciting technology and providing a starting point to anyone willing to employ this versatile and powerful new tool.

A 3D Printer in the Lab: Not Only a Toy

“…Two scientific fields have greatly benefited from the advent of 3D printing and the possibility of rapid prototyping directly in the laboratory: microfluidics [ 23,24 ] and microscopy. [ 25 ]…”

An Open‐Source Modular Framework for Automated Pipetting and Imaging Applications

“…[19] The increasing complexity and associated costs of experiments, due to the increased use of laboratory equipment, as well as the knowledge required to properly operate all the necessary instruments, make high-throughput research very exclusive. [20,21] In turn, it is particularly challenging to train students to use such methods. [22] Our aim in this work is to prove the principle of lab automation using open, accessible tools, with the ultimate goal of making this technology more widespread and easier to use.…”

“…These projects have all been replicated by the growing community of microscopy users. For a great overview of the subject, please refer to Rosario et al [21] In most cases, commercial devices lack open hardware or software interfaces for customization or automation, making it difficult or impossible to use them outside of the intended application for the devices. The Opentrons OT-2 pipetting robot [6,28] which we use in this manuscript is an example of commercially produced open-source hardware.…”

An Open-Source Modular Framework for Automated Pipetting and Imaging Applications

“…The increasing complexity of experiments due to technologization, the associated cost of laboratory equipment, and the knowledge required to properly operate all the required instruments make highthroughput research very exclusive. 18,19 In turn, it is particularly challenging to train students to use such methods. 20 In the past, much open-source software and, more recently, open hardware projects have shown that by creating a community of developers and allowing them to develop the projects together, a high level of professionalism and usability is created, with the help being offered free of charge.…”

“…For a great overview of the subject, please refer to. 19 In most cases, commercial devices lack open hardware or software interfaces for customization or automation, making it difficult or impossible to use them outside of the intended application for the devices, e.g., within a self-designed biological protocol. The Opentrons OT-2 pipetting robot 6,26 which we use in this manuscript is an example of commercially produced open-source hardware.…”