3D-printable tools for developmental biology: Improving embryo injection and screening techniques through 3D-printing technology

Developmental biology requires rapid embryo injections and screening. We applied new affordable high-resolution 3D-printing to create five easily modifiable stamp-mold tools that greatly increase injection and screening speed, while simultaneously reducing the harmful aspects of these processes. We designed two stamps that use different approaches to improve the injection efficiency for two different types of embryo, first for embryos from the snail Crepidula fornicata, and second, for those from the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Both drastically improved injection speeds and embryo survival rates, even in novice hands. The other three tools were designed for rapid side-by-side organism orientating and comparison. The first screening tool allows for optimal imaging in Xenopus laevis tadpoles, while the second and third facilitate rapid high-throughput screening of Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles and Danio rerio juveniles, respectively. These designs can act as templates for many injection or screening applications.