We built an open-source 3D bioprinter to connect the Life Science Lab and Makerspace. Starting with tie-dye bacteria printing on fabric, we aim to make bioprinting accessible, inspire experimentation, and design another printer🧫🐙✨

We have built our 3D bioprinter following an open-source protocol and validated it with some first test prints. Our next step is to establish a reliable workflow by printing tie-dye with bacteria on fabric to better understand the system. As we gain experience, we aim to explore additional bioengineering applications and ultimately use our insights to design a more advanced next-generation bioprinter.

Our project began after several setbacks with previous ideas, when we decided we wanted to build something tangible and came across an open-source protocol for a 3D bioprinter. Since we’re all interested in bioengineering, we saw it as the perfect chance to get hands-on experience.