3d-fuge: A 3d-printed Centrifuge for Molecular Biology

A centrifuge is a workhorse of any molecular biology and diagnostics lab. Inspired by an ancient children’s whirligig toy, we invented a 20-cent paper-centrifuge that holds potential for anemia and malaria. Check out Mark Rober’s article and video in Nature Biomedical Engineering for more information.

Building on the paperfuge, we developed a 3d printed version that enabled larger volumes for synthetic biology applications. In addition to high schools, we also showed the 3dfuge could enable molecular sequencing deep in the Amazon rainforest. The ability to centrifuge samples reliably is a basic need for DNA processing and thus developing such a basic tool that can be used off grid allows researchers to expland their work beyond tradiional labs and brings research capabilites across the globe. See our PLOS Biology paper and media for a more comprehensive look at the 3dfuge.

Georgia Tech News Center- Ancient Toy Inspires Tool for State-of-the-Art Science
WSB-TV: Local high school students help develop a low cost tool used in lifesaving research

We are currently working on the next version of this device to also include cell lysis and vortexing. Students at Lambert High School used both the 3dfuge and an arduino controlled 3dprinted centrifuge in the iGEM project for 2019.