Exploring pathways toward open-hardware ecosystems to safeguard genetic resources for biomedical research communities using aquatic model species

Abstract

Development of reliable germplasm repositories is critical for preservation of genetic resources of aquatic species, which are widely utilized to support biomedical innovation by providing a foundational source for naturally occurring variation and development of new variants through genetic manipulations. A significant barrier in repository development is the lack of cryopreservation capability and reproducibility across the research community, posing great risks of losing advances developed from billions of dollars of research investment. The emergence of open scientific hardware has fueled a new movement across biomedical research communities. With the increasing accessibility of consumer-level fabrication technologies, such as three-dimensional printers, open hardware devices can be custom designed, and design files distributed to community members for enhancing rigor, reproducibility, and standardization. The overall goal of this review is to explore pathways to create open-hardware ecosystems among the communities using aquatic model resources for biomedical research. To gain feedback and insights from community members, an interactive workshop focusing on open-hardware applications in germplasm repository development was held at the 2022 Aquatic Models for Human Disease Conference, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This work integrates conceptual strategies with practical insights derived from workshop interactions using examples of germplasm repository development. These insights can be generalized for establishment of open-hardware ecosystems for a broad biomedical research community. The specific objectives were to: (1) introduce an open-hardware ecosystem concept to support biomedical research; (2) explore pathways toward open-hardware ecosystems through four major areas, and (3) identify opportunities and future directions.

Keywords: 3D printing; aquatic models; biomedicine; cryopreservation; open hardware; open‐source ecosystems.

FIGURE 1

Recognition of a “Big Problem” is a first step in developing solutions such as custom scientific hardware (e.g., tools and devices) to advance repository development for aquatic species. This hardware can be initially developed by Interdisciplinary Technology Groups (ITG), and it can be tested by early adopters. With refinement, the technology can be adopted by broader user communities that can diversify to produce the hardware themselves from shared files (e.g., by three-dimensional printing), and eventually incorporate their own developers. Sharing of files is an open system with one-way communication; omnidirectional sharing of files translates into open source. Such systems could greatly increase production and quality. Development of open hardware can directly facilitate transition of research outcomes to community-level applications. AGGRC, Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center.

FIGURE 2

Organization of interactive approaches in reaching the research community for development of open hardware ecosystems. An interactive workshop focusing on open-hardware applications in germplasm repository development was held at the 2022 Aquatic Models for Human Disease Conference in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Four interaction stations (a) were used to address topics related to germplasm cryopreservation (b), animal handling and quality management, outreach and education (c), and three-dimensional printing (e.g., fused-filament fabrication). Flexible (articulated) three-dimensional printed fishes (d) were provided to participants.

FIGURE 3

Examples of open hardware developed for husbandry and handling of aquatic animals. Adjustable tank clips (a) were designed for securing tank lids for aquatic species (e.g., Xenopus frogs) (b) maintained in biomedical culture systems. Habitat enhancement logs (c) were designed and fabricated at the National Xenopus Resource in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Various sizes of standardizable feed spoons (d) were developed at the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) Eugene, Oregon.

FIGURE 4

Examples of open hardware developed for germplasm cryopreservation. The Cajun Ejector (a) was developed for cryopreservation within dry shipping cryogenic dewars. The CryoKit (b) was developed for sperm cryopreservation by use of Styrofoam coolers. The strand cryopreservation shuttle system was developed for sizing, processing, and packaging Aplysia egg strands by integration into French-straw containers and storage systems. Vitrification devices were developed to provide relatively high (e.g., >5000°C/min) cooling rates with standardizable loops (d), enabling storage with existing French-straw systems (e).

FIGURE 5

Examples of open hardware developed for sample handling and quality management. An artificial inseminator (a) was developed for collection of sperm samples and insemination for small-bodied live-bearing fishes (e.g., Xiphophorus species). An open rapid concentration assessor (b) was developed for assessment of sample concentration with minuscule volumes (i.e., <5 μL). A concentration measurement and adjustment system (c) was developed for automation of concentration adjustment for sample (e.g., sperm, algae) suspensions. A single-piece counting chamber (d) was prototyped with resin three-dimensional printing to accommodate the diverse size range of sperm from aquatic species.

FIGURE 6

Examples of open hardware developed for outreach and education. A series of three-dimensional printed models were developed for demonstration (a) of the life cycle of Aplysia sea hares (b) for outreach and (c) educational events.