BoSL Beater 3D

Description

Environmental monitoring of microorganisms is critical for the protection and enhancement of human and ecosystem health. Molecular-based environmental microbiology has overtaken traditional culture methods due to its less invasive nature and reduced turnaround times. Even though these molecular methods have become more accessible, these techniques still require expensive equipment and dedicated facilities to process samples which in the context of a global pandemic, remote sampling areas or low-income countries can be extremely challenging. Sample preparation and sample homogenisation is critical for the extraction of DNA and RNA. This study developed a low-cost, open-source, freely available 3D printed homogenizer for the processing of DNA and RNA extraction. The BoSL Beater 3D is a portable device that allows researcher to perform bead-beating steps commonly required for environmental sample extraction protocols in the field and without access to power. The BoSL Beater 3D was tested using filtered wastewater samples and passive samplers exposed to wastewater over a 24-hour period and showed similar or better performance to the traditional bead beater for both the extraction of DNA and RNA. The cost of this 3D homogenizer part is roughly $18 AUD ($296 AUD with the jigsaw which is roughly 57 times cheaper than a traditional bead beater) and has the added usability of being portable. In combination to newly developed portable PCR machines, this 3D homogeniser could provide the tool necessary for remote testing and allow for timely reporting. In combination to newly develop field extraction kits, this tool facilitates the extraction process and gives more flexibility to researchers while sampling, shipping, and processing DNA and RNA samples.

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