Establishing a reproducible approach to study cellular functions of plant cells with 3D bioprinting

Efficient regeneration of protoplasts from Solanum lycopersicum cultivar Micro-Tom

Protoplast regeneration has become a key platform for genetic and genome engineering. However, we lack reliable and reproducible methods for efficient protoplast regeneration for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars. Here, we optimized cell and tissue culture methods for protoplast isolation, microcallus proliferation, shoot regeneration, and plantlet establishment of the tomato cultivar Micro-Tom. A thin layer of alginate was applied to protoplasts isolated from third to fourth true leaves and cultured at an optimal density of 1 × 105 protoplasts/ml. We determined the optimal culture media for protoplast proliferation, callus formation, de novo shoot regeneration, and root regeneration. Regenerated plantlets exhibited morphologically normal growth and sexual reproduction. The entire regeneration process, from protoplasts to flowering plants, was accomplished within 5 months. The optimized protoplast regeneration platform enables biotechnological applications, such as genome engineering, as well as basic research on plant regeneration in Solanaceae species.

Toward an open-source 3D-printable laboratory

Premise

Low-cost, repairable lab equipment is rare within the biological sciences. By lowering the costs of entry using 3D printing and open-source hardware, our goal is to empower both amateur and professional scientists to conduct research.

Methods

We developed a modular system of 3D-printable designs called COBLE (Collection of Bespoke Laboratory Equipment), including novel and remixed 3D-printable lab equipment that can be inexpensively printed, assembled, and repaired for a fraction of the cost of retail equivalents.

Results

Here we present novel tools that utilize 3D printing to enable a wide range of scientific experiments. We include additional resources for scientists and labs that are interested in utilizing 3D printing for their research.

Discussion

By describing the broad potential that 3D-printed designs can have in the biological sciences, we hope to inspire others to implement and improve upon these designs, improving accessibility and enabling science for all.