HistoEnder: A 3D printer-based histological slide autostainer that retains 3D printer functions

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Laboratory Automation
• Histotechnology

Background:

• Automated microscope slide stainers are prohibitively expensive for many laboratories, leading to significant manual labor costs and time loss.
• Manual staining procedures in histology and pathology are time-consuming and prone to variability, impacting workflow efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and accessible automated microscope slide stainer by modifying an open-source 3D printer.
• To provide a modular and easily deployable solution for automating staining processes in histology, pathology, and other scientific fields.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a Creality Ender-3 open-source 3D printer with minimal 3D-printed components to create the HistoEnder automated slide stainer.
• Development of simple g-code for controlling the automated staining procedure, ensuring ease of use and accessibility.
• Verification of the 3D printer's ability to revert to its original function within one minute.

Main Results:

• The HistoEnder was successfully created for under 200€, offering a significant cost reduction compared to commercial automated stainers.
• The automated stainer is modular, easy to set up, and retains the 3D printer's original functionality.
• The developed g-code is simple and can be generated by users with basic knowledge, facilitating widespread adoption.

Conclusions:

• The HistoEnder presents a viable, low-cost solution for automating microscope slide staining in histology and pathology laboratories.
• This 3D printer modification offers a practical approach to reduce manual labor and improve efficiency in scientific workflows.
• The HistoEnder's adaptability extends its utility to surface modification and dip coating applications in chemistry and material science.