Developing new research equipment can often be costly and time-consuming, posing a challenge for researchers. However, Daniel Nilsson from Umeå University has presented an innovative approach in his doctoral thesis that could significantly change this scenario. He demonstrates how standard consumer-grade 3D printers can be utilized to rapidly manufacture advanced scientific instruments directly in the laboratory.
Studying microorganisms requires precise instruments, which are usually expensive and take a long time to produce through traditional methods. This has impeded progress in the field and limited biologists’ involvement in the development of such instruments. Nilsson shows that researchers can independently design and create customized research tools using standard 3D printing technology.
"We have developed a set of instruments that can be manufactured directly in the laboratory by anyone," he states, emphasizing the potential of making biological research more affordable and accessible to a wider array of researchers.
Some examples of the instruments created by Nilsson and his team include tools for detecting and manipulating harmful bacteria with laser light, along with devices for cultivating and measuring properties of biofilms. Biofilms, which are slimy structures formed by bacteria on surfaces, pose significant issues in sectors like food production and healthcare.
The fundamental idea behind Nilsson’s work is to empower researchers to build, adapt, and enhance instruments according to their specific needs, rather than depending on expensive commercial options. "These methods enable a more collaborative and needs-driven approach to development within the research community," Nilsson adds.
Moreover, his thesis includes a practical guide for researchers to design 3D-printed tools and incorporate open-source electronics. "The same methods can be used for both advanced research instruments and everyday technological solutions in the laboratory," says Nilsson.
On Friday, October 9, he will defend his doctoral thesis, Democratisation of Biophysical Instrumentation through Open-Source Design and Additive Manufacturing, at 09:00 in Aula Anatomica (BIO.A.206) at Umeå University, with Christine Selhuber-Unkel of Heidelberg University as the faculty opponent.
Nilsson’s background as an electrician and his Master of Science in Engineering Physics provide him with a solid foundation for his research, which bridges method and instrument development in biophysics, ranging from individual cell studies to biological flow models.