At Labstuce, I work hand in hand with researchers to tackle unique challenges and create tailored solutions at the intersection of life sciences and engineering. Below are examples of custom projects developed in close collaboration with scientists—each one designed to solve a specific problem in the lab.
If you see a project here that isn’t part of my standard customizable products, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always open to new ideas and happy to discuss how we can adapt or develop a solution to fit your needs.
A research platform needed a solution to securely hold 50ml Falcon tubes at a 15-degree angle. I designed a modular Falcon Holder that provides stability and easy access, allowing for standalone use or connection with multiple units. This innovative design enhances laboratory organization and efficiency, effectively meeting the client’s specific requirements.
A microscope had been modified to image higher setups, making normal imaging of samples in petri dishes or microscopy slides impossible. There was a need for a stable solution to raise the samples into the focus point of the objectives. I provided a custom adapter that attaches to the stage, ensuring reliable elevation and secure positioning of the samples for effective imaging.
A researcher approached me with the idea of creating an imaging chamber for a confocal microscope that would enable her to grow large seedlings in soil and in the dark. Drawing inspiration from commercially available solutions, I adapted the design to fit her exact needs, providing a custom solution that created a controlled environment for optimal growth and imaging of the seedlings.
A researcher came to me with a problem: the samples he was observing under a confocal microscope were not always perfectly in plan, which significantly increased experimental time due to the need for more z-scans and loss of part of the sample imaging. I designed a tilting stage that allows for micro-adjustments through the manual rotation of gears, providing a stable and precise solution to enhance imaging efficiency.
A researcher was interested in a setup published in a paper that would enable him to measure cell concentration in his suspension easily and non-disruptively. Utilizing the information provided in the publication, I built and adapted the device to accommodate different sizes of cell suspensions, significantly saving him time and enhancing the efficiency of his experiments.
A teacher approached me with two needs: the 3D printing of a smartphone microscope adapter based on an existing model and the assembly of an open-source hand sectioning device for plant tissue, as detailed in a published paper. I successfully printed and assembled the smartphone adapter, facilitating easy integration with mobile devices for microscopy. Additionally, I printed and assembled the hand sectioning device, ensuring it was ready for use in plant tissue analysis while adhering to the open-source design principles.
A researcher working with microfluidics under a microscope faced challenges due to the movement of the tubing and difficulties in tubing management. Additionally, transporting her equipment from the bench to the microscope was cumbersome. I created a convenient setup holder that securely holds all the necessary tools for her experiments and includes a clamping mechanism to stabilize the tubing in place, preventing any disruptions caused by movement. This solution enhances her workflow and improves the reliability of her experiments.
A scientist approached me with the need for a clinostat to study gravitropism in growing seedlings, requiring a device that could rotate a plate in a controlled manner while maintaining a clear view for imaging. I designed a custom solution that combined 3D design, printing, and Arduino-based electronics to create a transparent, low-profile rotating mechanism. The clinostat securely holds the seedling plate and enables precise rotation, allowing unobstructed imaging using the pre-existing imaging setup.
A greenhouse staff faced a challenge with their decade-old tables, where crucial structural components were breaking and no existing providers could supply replacement parts. I precisely reproduced the broken piece creating an identical replica that allowed the staff to continue using their existing tables. I provided a cost-effective solution that preserved their valuable equipment, preventing the need for expensive total table replacement and minimizing disruption to their ongoing work.
Contact me if you want to discuss a project idea!