Hardware

Why do we need it? What is the problem?

n our research, we utilize a multichannel pipette to transfer samples of transfected U87 cells into a 96-well plate, which comprises 8 rows of wells designated A through H. However, not all of these rows are acceptable for our imaging research. Imaging samples positioned in rows A and H may be affected by the edge effect, thereby compromising the validity of the experimental results. Consequently, injecting our samples into these outermost rows will result in their wastage. As a result, our samples may solely be injected into the six central rows of the 96-well plate (rows B, C, D, E, F, and G).

However, an issue emerges throughout this process: we are unable to directly inject the sample into the six middle rows of wells. The rationale is that when employing an 8-channel multichannel pipette, all eight tips are securely affixed to their corresponding tip cones. It is impractical to expel all the tips or to depress the plunger to introduce the sample into the unused outer wells. The experimenter must excise the tips from the two outermost tip cones, retaining only the six middle tips. Although performing this action sometimes may be permissible, the necessity of discarding two pipette tips with each use of the 96-well plate becomes burdensome and inefficient.
We expressed our complaints on this inconvenience, and our instructor, Christine Fan, conveyed that this issue is prevalent. She indicated that during her laboratory work, she occasionally removed the two side rows of the pipette tip rack to align with the 96-well plate. Nonetheless, there were frequent occurrences in which colleagues in the laboratory misidentified her reconfigured pipette tip rack as a standard one and utilized all the tips for various purposes, thereby rendering the reconfigured rack inoperative.

Solving the Problem

Upon identifying this issue, we devised a solution. Due to the unavailability of pipette tip rack that meet our specifications, we opted to devise an alternative solution. Two team members initiated the conceptualization of a tailor-made pipette tip rack for the 96-well plate.

What could a suitable pipette tip rack look like?

Idea 1:

Design a detachable pipette tip rack, allowing each row of holes in the plate that holds the tips to be detached and reinserted. The rows of tips within the rack can be organized flexibly according to our requirements.

Idea 2:

Maintain the plate with pores that houses the pipette tips as an integrated entity. Remove the 2 outermost rolls of the plate at the very beginning of the creation of the plate and made the plate into a specialized, replaceable component for a 96-well plate.

Not long after these two concepts were introduced, Isabella, the team leader, supplied a pipette tip rack to evaluate our concepts. Our decision to pursue the second idea was made after extensive discussion and experimentation.

3D Modeling

We initiated the process of developing the 3D model of our pipette tip rack by acquiring precise measurements and sourcing references.

We acquired around 200 µL pipette tips and assessed their dimensions, including height, length, diameter, and aperture size, confirming that the apertures in our pipette tip rack would adequately accept the tips.

Furthermore, we assessed a standard NEST pipette tip rack and diligently recorded its dimensions to ascertain the specifications for the tray.

We subsequently created a 2D blueprint of the tray for our pipette tip rack.

Employing this blueprint and the recorded specifications, we subsequently utilized SolidWorks 3D modeling software to develop three separate 3D models: one for the tray, one for the lid, and one for the base of the pipette tip rack.

Application Process

Upon concluding the 3D modeling phase, the next phase was converting our digital design into a physical prototype. Employing the availability of a 3D printer at our school, we produced the unique components of the pipette tip rack.

As a result, we successfully developed customized pipette tip rack that fulfilled the rigorous specifications required for laboratory instruments, rendering them appropriate for our research.

Advantages

Following extensive exploration, we effectively developed a solution for ourselves. Although our hardware design project is neither intricate nor immense, its value is in resolving a minor yet consequential issue we identified throughout our research.

From a technical standpoint, it addresses the issue of inefficiency in time and resource during the preparation of the 96-well plate. Our pipette tip rack is lightweight, ensuring stability during tip cone insertion; it is reusable with rapid disassembly for convenient cleaning and disinfection; and it is specialized, modeled, and prepared for production.

Although our concept is unassuming, it is ready to enhance not only our specific imaging experiment but also numerous other studies with 96-well plates.

Thoughts

Upon the implementation of the redesigned pipette tip rack, we experienced a sense of elation. Engaging in self-creation is demonstrably an intriguing experience. Our iGEM project sought to facilitate the study of brain tumors by improving bioluminescence imaging technologies, and our hardware innovation can also support lab workers in a humble yet meaningful way. It is a fortuitous occurrence that our endeavors align with our project goals.