Microscope 3D Bioprinting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pick and place, 3D bioprinting, and micromanipulation systems are cost prohibitive and space consuming, requiring specialized equipment that is expensive and not easily adaptable to common laboratory infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that integrates with conventional inverted microscopes, using a mounting bracket to optically align a needle and mount syringes, with a software package controlling the x, y, z position of the needle and actuating the syringes for precise manipulation of microscopic objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If specialized equipment including stands, platforms, controllers, micromanipulators or microinjectors are used, then pick and place and 3D bioprinting capabilities are achieved, but system cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (pick and place, 3D bioprinting, micromanipulation) into a single apparatus that attaches to existing microscopes. The housing contains a needle holder with adjustable needle, pump assembly for fluid control, and integrates with microscope stage positioning, allowing one device to perform multiple previously separate functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines previously separate components (microscope, positioning stage, needle holder, pump system) into an integrated apparatus. The housing merges the needle holder, pump assembly, and fluid reservoir into a single unit that attaches to the microscope, reducing the need for multiple standalone devices.
2Ease of operation
If specialized equipment including stands, platforms, controllers, micromanipulators or microinjectors are used, then pick and place and 3D bioprinting capabilities are achieved, but system space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides multiple capabilities (pick and place, 3D bioprinting, micromanipulation) through a single integrated unit that attaches to existing microscope infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each function and reducing overall laboratory space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus nests within existing microscope infrastructure by attaching to the microscope stand and integrating with the stage positioning system. The housing contains nested components including the needle holder, pump assembly, and fluid reservoir, maximizing space efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional inverted microscope with mounting bracket is used, then optical alignment is achieved, but integration with pick and place apparatus requires adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed as a modular housing that can be attached to various microscope models using standard mounting brackets. The needle holder, pump assembly, and fluid reservoir are separate components that can be assembled and adjusted independently, facilitating integration with different microscope platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder includes adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the needle position to be optimized for different microscope configurations and applications. The pump assembly parameters can be adjusted to control fluid flow rates for different pick and place or bioprinting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus controls a series of actuators mounted onto inverted microscope assemblies to add 3D bioprinting and pick and place capabilities on a microscopic scale. One or more syringes are also mounted to the apparatus and the plunger of each syringe is independently actuated to extrude or extract fluids from the optically aligned needle. A software package communicates with the microscope x, y stage as well as the on-board motor controller which actuates the syringes and needle to set the x, y, z position and syringe in real time.