Printing Multistrain Bacterial Patterns with a Piezoelectric Inkjet Printer
2007
Printing Bacterial Patterns with an Inkjet Printer
Sample size: 273
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Merrin Jack Leibler, Stanislas Chuang, John S.
Primary Institution: The Rockefeller University
Hypothesis
Can a piezoelectric inkjet printer be adapted to print bacterial strains in precise patterns?
Conclusion
The piezoelectric inkjet printer can print multiple bacterial strains with over 98.5% viability.
Supporting Evidence
- The printer can print different bacterial strains in ordered arrays.
- Viability of printed E. coli exceeded 98.5%.
- The printer allows for precise control of bacterial arrangement.
Takeaway
Scientists created a special printer that can squirt tiny drops of bacteria onto surfaces in neat patterns, and most of the bacteria stay alive.
Methodology
The study involved adapting a piezoelectric inkjet printer to print bacterial strains and measuring the viability and droplet properties.
Limitations
The study could not determine if some dead or damaged cells were a result of the printing process or pre-existing.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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