Design and implementation of a low cost bio-printer modification, allowing for switching between plastic and gel extrusion
Description
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.
Files
Steps to reproduce
The Gestruder mod is is licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) by Adolf Krige and Jakub Haluska Parts of the extruder in this work, spescifically the files:[Body v5; Body top; Gear 13; Gear 47], used the following extruder as a design starting point, and adjusted to our needs: "Large Volume Extruder (LVE) for 3D Printing" (https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-008366) by Kira Puscha, Thomas J. Hinton and Adam W. Feinberg (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468067217300822?via%3Dihub) used under CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).