Open-Source Lab Equipment, Biopolitics + Photobioreactor

Monday - FabLab tour + Fabrication

Got reacquainted with Fusion360 for 3D modelling and Adobe Illustrator for laser cutting and then a quick tour around the FabLab to get familiar with the set up and the equipment. A test print of an eyepiece for a microscope was only half printed but we were still able to understand the basics of 3D printing. I was able to laser cut an old logo iteration onto a piece of wood, but not without the first test catching on fire. Overall, a successful day of reintroduction to familiar programs and seeing how I might be able to apply them to future projects.

Tuesday - Building Lab Machines

An exciting day of 3D printing, laser cutting, AND soldering! We were given the option to build five different pieces of lab equipment and I decided to go with the magnetic stirrer 1. because it was labelled as easy and 2. it is an incredibly useful sterile way to mix media. The template I used was created by Anne and had a document of instructions and the prepared files to begin which made this entire process much more simple. I began by collecting all the components and lasercutting the pieces of wood to create the housing of the electronics. Next I attached wires to the motor and the jackplug and solder the wires to their respective attachments on the components. An issue with the 3D printer placed (see bottom right square) a roadbloack in constructing the remaining pieces, however, Anne was able to troubleshoot and a motor mount was printed in pink! (sadly not pictured)

Wednesday - Politics of Biotech + Building a Bioreactor

Maro’s lecture on the Politics of Biotechnology was incredibly fascinating and insightful. While I write this I don’t have my notes with me but what really stuck with me was when she said “Let your work teach you”. Almost everytime I work on a project, I get to a point where I fixate on what the final product will look like or how I want the results to unfold, and it pushes me away from the actual process of making/creating/experimenting. Over the last few years I’ve learned there is so much value in being present during the process and I’ve noticed that when I am, it lets the work teach me and I end up learning more than I imagined. Did not mean to get so reflective but it did trigger this thought.

ANYWAYS

The rest of the day was allocated towards making a Photobioreactor for red algae species Nodularia Harveyana and Odontella Aurit_a. Chris and I decided that we wanted to look at Odontella Aurita as we were intrigued by the production of pigment from its biomass and the possibility of creating a textile with it. Initially we wanted to create two environments for the Odontella Aurita to grow in, one that simulates “present” ocean conditions in terms of salinity, acidity and temperature and one that depicts “past” conditions. After discussion it was decided that focusing on one variable would be a simpler exercise but would also help us pinpoint the cause of change. Because we couldn’t find a refractometer we decided to focus on the air flow by placing an air stone in one bottle and using just the tube in the other.

We created a photobioreactor using two large 1,5L bottles from the grocery store, an airpump, splitter, valve, an air stone and tubing. We filled the bottles with 40mL of the medium F/2-Si, 1L of filtered water and 100mL of the Odontella Aurita culture (?). We then turned on our airpumps and placed the bottles next to a window for ample sunlight.

Thursday - Documentation + Lab Material Planning

I picked up where I left off from Tuesday and was able to print the last component of my magnetic stirrer, the magnet holder! It was really exciting turning the knob and seeing the equpiment work so well, I’m really proud of how it turned out. This made me want to make another piece of equipment so I started thinking about ways I could alter the induction steriliser to challenge myself a bit. While I wasn’t able to 3D print or laser cut, I was able to plan and design what I want to engrave onto my next piece of equipment. If I feel extra inspired I might also start the design of my own incubator, but let’s see 😉.

Note: The bottom left image is of the faces of Maria’s induction steriliser as I was trying to see whether my piece of wood would be sufficient. I was also inspired by her use of arcylic and the abstract engravings on the faces so I created my own little design seen in the bottom right image.

link to Instagram