HistoEnder: A 3D printer-based histological slide autostainer

HistoEnder: a 3D printer-based histological slide autostainer that retains 3D printer functions

Preprint here: https://engrxiv.org/sjz4e/

Automated microscope slide stainers are typically very expensive, and unless the lab performs heavy histological work it is hard to justify buying a €2000-€10000 machine. As a result, histology and pathology labs around the world lose thousands of working hours for following a procedure that could be easily automated. Here, we propose a simple modification of an open-source 3D printer, the Creality Ender 3, into an automated microscope slide autostainer, the HistoEnder. The HistoEnder is cheap (€190), modular, and easy to set up, with only two 3D-printed parts needed. Additionally, the 3D printer retains its full functionality, and it can go back to 3D printing in less than 1 minute. The g-code associated with the procedure is extremely simple, and can be written by anyone. The HistoEnder can also be used in chemistry and material science laboratories for automating surface modifications and dip coating.

Structure

• /hardware is a folder with the 3D printable files and a guide for the assembly
• /software is a folder with g-code examples

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