3D Printed Parts combined to Make Affordable Live cell imaging

Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden have discovered an innovative way to make the technology of “live cell imaging” affordable as well as easy to be assembled with the help of a smartphone, some mass-produced electronics, and a few 3D printed parts using 3d printer. Live cell imaging is a tool for studying the living cells and their response towards various treatments such as drugs or toxins.

Johan Kreuger, a senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University explained “our idea was to make possible live imaging of cells for labs in developing countries. What we have done in this project isn't rocket science, but it shows you how 3D printing will transform the way scientists work around the world. 3D printing has the potential to give researchers with limited funding access to research methods that were previously too expensive."

What is the Idea of This Research all about?

Live imaging of cells can enable researchers for examining how cells respond to various stimuli. Researchers study the behavior of cells over the period of time by recording their video as this process allow them to have detailed information of cells as compared to ordinary static images.

This research of the Uppsala University was published in the open access journal PLOS ONE. The study involves improving the conventional microscopes already available at most of the universities as well as hospitals. The findings of the study revealed that the updated systems offer superior cell culture conditions enabling high-resolution imaging of real living cells. The new and improved microscope only requires a few 3D-printed parts, a smartphone, and some ready-made electronics.

“Using our concept, you can 3D print pieces to hold your phone in place, as well as a small incubator for the cells to grow in, which will warm them to a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, the same temperature as the human body. “You’ll need some readily available consumer electronics, but for anyone with a little bit of technical know-how, it’s very straightforward, Kreuger explained.”

What other Things did This Research Disclose?

The analysis team has also discovered an app that enables time-lapse imaging precisely from the phone. This study even disclosed that the self-assembled process gains high-resolution imaging of living cells providing the finest conditions for the cell culture. The microscope comprises a built-in humidity module to assure cell cultures maintain the required moisture. The 3D printing technology will continue to play a significant role in the development of live cell imaging, said Johan Kreuger.