Team Members: James Acosta, Crae Andrew, Elan Gavish, Dante Macean, Jeffrey Morris, Xinyu Wang, Patricio Miranda

Abstract: Developed was a SPIM (Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy) imaging chamber, fish holder, and laser path. Zebrafish are useful for scientific research purposes since they share 70 percent of the same genome as humans and 84 percent of genes associated with human disease [1]. This research allows for a cheaper and safer alternative to standard drug testing practices. To avoid negatively altering the Zebrafish environment, bio-compatible silicone, glass, and polylactic acid (PLA) were chosen for materials that are contacting the water in the imaging chamber. This design seeks to minimize the time required to sterilize and remove the imaging chamber from its base, able to be removed with one hand and no hardware. The zebrafish is attached to gel on the glass portion of the Z-shaped fish holder made from PLA that is submerged in water. The path for optogenetic stimulation guides a laser to the zebrafish and is designed with the lowest number of components and maximizes the 90-degree angles generated by the laser and mirrors. The cost of one functioning prototype is $96.98, and the cost of a production-scale run is $86.49, both of which are significantly less than the demand on the customer needs statement.

Group 4’s 90-Second Pitch:

Oral Design Presentation Zoom

Date and time: August 4th, 12:30 – 1:15 pm 

Link to Presentation: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/5484849776

Archived Oral Design Presentation