Abstract
Due to the high cost of bioprinters they are not feasible for proof of concept experiments or educational purposes. Furthermore, the more affordable DIY methods all disable the plastic printing capability of the original printer. Here we present an affordable bio-printing modification that is easy to install and maintains the original capabilities of the printer. The modification used mostly 3D printed parts and is based on the popular, open-source Prusa i3 3D printer. The modifications are kept as simple as possible and uses standard slicing software, allowing for installation by less experienced builders. By using disposable syringes and easily sterilizable parts, an aseptic bioprinting setup can be achieved, depending on the environment. It also allows for 2 component printing as well as UV curing. The bio-printing and curing capabilities were shown by printing and curing an artificial biofilm of an electro-active bacteria, Geobacter sulfurreducens, onto a carbon-cloth electrode which was used in a microbial fuel cell.
Highlights
Design and implementation of a low cost bio-printer modification, allowing for switching between plastic and gel extrusion
The bio-printing and curing capabilities were shown by printing and curing an artificial biofilm of an electro-active bacteria, Geobacter sulfurreducens, onto a carbon-cloth electrode which was used in a microbial fuel cell
The printers are usually based on Rep-Rap fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers
Summary
In the field of 3D gel-printing there are several proprietary 3D bio-printers, which are usually just one-task (gel-printing) machines, incapable of performing other tasks. Switching the printer back to enable the printing of plastic requires tools and significant time Two examples of this type of modification is the large volume extruder [4], Replistruder [5]. The limit switches are placed at the opposite side of the home position of the printer, so that they are not triggered when homing (Fig. 2 D&E) This allows for three lines of communication between the printer and the Arduino board without the need for complex changes to the printer’s firmware. These can be assigned in the Arduino code to trigger different functionalities based on the requirements of the print. The printer can be used to print other gels, such as sealants
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