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Affordable bioprinter created from Ender 3 for living materials research

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] ·

Researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully modified a standard Ender 3 FDM 3D printer into an affordable bioprinter for engineered living materials (ELMs). This adaptation, costing approximately $450, significantly reduces the hardware cost compared to traditional bioprinters, which can exceed $100,000. The modified printer utilizes a custom syringe pump and bio-inks made from bacteria and alginate, printed within support slurries like agarose or gelatin, enabling accessible research into applications such as biofilms, plastic degradation, and biodegradable materials. AI

IMPACT Enables more accessible research into engineered living materials, potentially accelerating developments in areas like biodegradable plastics and wastewater treatment.

RANK_REASON Research paper published on a novel application of existing hardware for scientific research. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.4]

Read on Tom's Hardware →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

Affordable bioprinter created from Ender 3 for living materials research

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Research paper published on a novel application of existing hardware for scientific research. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.4]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. Tom's Hardware TIER_1 English(EN) · Jhet Borja ·

    Modified Ender 3 becomes a $450 bioprinter for 3D printing engineered living materials

    Microbiologists at the University of Rochester have modified an Ender 3 FDM printer into a 3D bioprinter for $450 and outperforming 3D bioprinters costing more than $100,000.

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