Fluid Transport System for use in Microplant Research
In collaboration with a design course, two other students and I worked with biology Professor Josh Gendron to develop a system to help in his study of the circadian rhythms of microplants. The plants were treated with a sprayed-on chemical solution that induced bioluminescence aligned with their circadian cycles, and then imaged over the course of a week in a UV light imaging chamber. However this came with challenges. The amount of chemical applied was difficult to control precisely, and the imaging chamber restricted both reapplication and the ability to switch to a different solution during the experiment.
Our solution was to design a system that delivers the chemical-laden fluid directly to the roots of the microplants, ensuring each plant receives a consistent dosage. The plants are housed in a custom uniform seedling plate to further guaranty consistency. Because the system is controlled externally, the chemical application can be adjusted mid-experiment without disturbing the imaging chamber.
Our Solution
Final Schematic
Electronics
In the Chamber
In Action
