Customizable FDM-based zebrafish embryo mold for live imaging

Abstract

Accurate and reproducible orientation of zebrafish embryos is crucial for high-resolution live imaging but remains challenging with standard agarose mounting. Here, we introduce an orientation tool made using fused deposition modeling (FDM), enhanced with a thin resin coating to improve surface smoothness and performance. This design creates reproducible, embryo-shaped wells that hold larvae in a dorsoventral orientation. The molds, designed to fit standard glass-bottom imaging dishes, are inexpensive to produce on common desktop 3D printers and can be easily modified to fit different imaging setups using the open-source design files. This method enables consistent, long-term live imaging of multiple embryos and broadens the use of low-cost additive manufacturing in zebrafish imaging workflows.