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Custom 3D-Printed Molds for Zebrafish Imaging and Cardiac Development
James Christian Miller1, Prashanna Koirala1, Maria Fernanda Argote de la Torre1
1Department of Biology, University of Mississippi.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|September 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers can now easily create custom 3D-printed molds for reproducible embryo mounting. This method uses inexpensive stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printing to produce agarose wells for consistent embryo orientation during imaging.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Biotechnology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Embryo mounting for microscopy presents reproducibility challenges.
- Consistent orientation is crucial for imaging specific tissues.
- Existing methods include viscous media embedding or specialized dishes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a cost-effective method for creating reusable embryo mounting molds.
- To enable reproducible orientation of multiple embryos for imaging.
- To offer a customizable framework for diverse research needs.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printing to manufacture custom molds.
- Creating agarose wells within these molds for embryo embedding.
- Designing a customizable framework adaptable to various tissues and organisms.
Main Results:
- Successfully manufactured reusable molds for embryo mounting.
- Demonstrated reliable orientation of multiple embryos in agarose wells.
- Developed molds specifically for zebrafish cardiac development imaging on upright and inverted microscopes.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed molds offer a reliable and accessible solution for embryo mounting.
- This method enhances reproducibility in imaging projects.
- The customizable design supports a wide range of research applications in developmental biology and beyond.
