Pub Date : 2025-07-18DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00683
Veronika Wohlmuthova, Michal Labuda, Mariana Benova
Magnetic fields play a crucial role in modern science and technology - yet precise and accessible tools for their measurement remain limited, especially for small laboratories, educators, or independent researchers. This paper introduces a novel, open-source magnetic field measurement system based on three-axis sensors for monitoring both direct and extremely low frequency magnetic fields. The device features a modular hardware design centered around a custom PCB, enabling flexible analog filtering, Bluetooth data transmission, and offline LCD visualization. By combining the MC858 and MPU9250 sensors with precise analog signal conditioning and a 12-bit ADC, the system ensures reliable detection of magnetic fields including the 50 Hz mains frequency and its harmonics. To verify the functionality of the device, experimental measurements were conducted inside a Faraday cage using a common hair dryer placed at distances of 1 cm and 3 cm from the sensors as a source of electromagnetic field. Frequency analysis confirmed reliable detection of the dominant 50 Hz component and its harmonics, as well as the system’s ability to distinguish changes in field intensity based on distance and operating state of the source device.
{"title":"A low-cost portable system for 3-Axis measurement of static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields","authors":"Veronika Wohlmuthova, Michal Labuda, Mariana Benova","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Magnetic fields play a crucial role in modern science and technology - yet precise and accessible tools for their measurement remain limited, especially for small laboratories, educators, or independent researchers. This paper introduces a novel, open-source magnetic field measurement system based on three-axis sensors for monitoring both direct and extremely low frequency magnetic fields. The device features a modular hardware design centered around a custom PCB, enabling flexible analog filtering, Bluetooth data transmission, and offline LCD visualization. By combining the MC858 and MPU9250 sensors with precise analog signal conditioning and a 12-bit ADC, the system ensures reliable detection of magnetic fields including the 50 Hz mains frequency and its harmonics. To verify the functionality of the device, experimental measurements were conducted inside a Faraday cage using a common hair dryer placed at distances of 1 cm and 3 cm from the sensors as a source of electromagnetic field. Frequency analysis confirmed reliable detection of the dominant 50 Hz component and its harmonics, as well as the system’s ability to distinguish changes in field intensity based on distance and operating state of the source device.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00683"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144696905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00679
Minh Nhat Huynh , Quoc Minh Lam , Cong Toai Truong , Huy Hung Nguyen , Van Tu Duong
Rapid advancements in energy storage technology spurred by the use of electricity in a variety of applications have brought attention to the critical need for precise battery capacity evaluation. The electronic DC load devices play an important role in those tests by replicating real-world discharge conditions. However, commercial DC load systems are often prohibitively expensive and remain largely inaccessible to small enterprises, academic laboratories, and independent researchers. While open-source alternatives offer cost advantages, many existing designs lack scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. This study proposes a low-cost, modular electronic DC load capable of continuous operation at up to per module. With its user-friendly interface and support for numerous other tests, including constant current, constant resistor, constant power, battery evaluation, and high-power pulse charge (HPPC) the proposed electronic DC load is robust and simple to use for battery research and evaluation.
{"title":"Low-cost electronic DC load module design for battery capacity evaluation","authors":"Minh Nhat Huynh , Quoc Minh Lam , Cong Toai Truong , Huy Hung Nguyen , Van Tu Duong","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid advancements in energy storage technology spurred by the use of electricity in a variety of applications have brought attention to the critical need for precise battery capacity evaluation. The electronic DC load devices play an important role in those tests by replicating real-world discharge conditions. However, commercial DC load systems are often prohibitively expensive and remain largely inaccessible to small enterprises, academic laboratories, and independent researchers. While open-source alternatives offer cost advantages, many existing designs lack scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. This study proposes a low-cost, modular electronic DC load capable of continuous operation at up to <span><math><mrow><mn>50</mn><mi>W</mi></mrow></math></span> per module. With its user-friendly interface and support for numerous other tests, including constant current, constant resistor, constant power, battery evaluation, and high-power pulse charge (HPPC) the proposed electronic DC load is robust and simple to use for battery research and evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00674
Montana Ligman, Kioumars A. Rezaie, Ramya Shah, Chris Keeter, Bryson Sutterfield, Mirjam Fürth
We introduce an enhanced iteration of OpenFish, a previously developed open-source soft robotic fish. The original model, developed at Delft University of Technology, successfully emulated thunniform swimming through a unique propulsion system utilizing both active and passive tail segments. This design aimed to optimize speed and efficiency while fostering future advancements in soft robotic fish research. To further enhance OpenFish, we undertook a redesign process, making modifications to the fish hull and internal components. These changes aimed to simplify construction, address waterproofing issues, and facilitate the development of an autonomous version of the fish. Our work encompasses an updated description of the construction process, customization options, and detailed insights into hardware implementation, including waterproofing techniques for the soft robotic fish.
{"title":"Fluid interaction study: Hydrodynamic robot (FISHR) — Expansion of bioinspired soft robotic fish","authors":"Montana Ligman, Kioumars A. Rezaie, Ramya Shah, Chris Keeter, Bryson Sutterfield, Mirjam Fürth","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We introduce an enhanced iteration of OpenFish, a previously developed open-source soft robotic fish. The original model, developed at Delft University of Technology, successfully emulated thunniform swimming through a unique propulsion system utilizing both active and passive tail segments. This design aimed to optimize speed and efficiency while fostering future advancements in soft robotic fish research. To further enhance OpenFish, we undertook a redesign process, making modifications to the fish hull and internal components. These changes aimed to simplify construction, address waterproofing issues, and facilitate the development of an autonomous version of the fish. Our work encompasses an updated description of the construction process, customization options, and detailed insights into hardware implementation, including waterproofing techniques for the soft robotic fish.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00678
Floriberto Díaz-Díaz , Prisciliano Felipe de Jesús Cano-Barrita
This paper presents the design and construction of a cost-effective embeddable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor using 3D printing to improve the construction process. The sensor comprises two 25.4 mm diameter x 3 mm thick neodymium-iron-boron disk magnets and an elliptical radio frequency coil. Magnetic field simulations were employed to determine the optimal separation between magnets, achieving a relatively homogeneous B0 field of 180 mT at the center of the array. Custom 3D-printed parts ensured precise magnet alignment and facilitated coil fabrication. The sensor was encased within a Faraday cage constructed from a printed circuit board to mitigate external electromagnetic interference. A remote tuning circuit was developed to tune the coil to 7.66 MHz. Initial testing involved using an eraser sample to determine the required 90° and 180° pulse amplitudes and duration. The sensor’s performance was further validated under immersion conditions in milk, yogurt, and fresh cement paste, using the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill technique. The signals obtained were processed by fitting the data to an exponential decay function to obtain the T2 lifetimes and their corresponding signal intensities, and by Inverse Laplace Transformation to obtain the T2 lifetime distribution. Results indicate the sensoŕs capability to detect variations in samples having different compositions.
{"title":"Design and construction of a small embeddable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor utilizing 3D-printed components","authors":"Floriberto Díaz-Díaz , Prisciliano Felipe de Jesús Cano-Barrita","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the design and construction of a cost-effective embeddable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor using 3D printing to improve the construction process. The sensor comprises two 25.4 mm diameter x 3 mm thick neodymium-iron-boron disk magnets and an elliptical radio frequency coil. Magnetic field simulations were employed to determine the optimal separation between magnets, achieving a relatively homogeneous B<sub>0</sub> field of 180 mT at the center of the array. Custom 3D-printed parts ensured precise magnet alignment and facilitated coil fabrication. The sensor was encased within a Faraday cage constructed from a printed circuit board to mitigate external electromagnetic interference. A remote tuning circuit was developed to tune the coil to 7.66 MHz. Initial testing involved using an eraser sample to determine the required 90° and 180° pulse amplitudes and duration. The sensor’s performance was further validated under immersion conditions in milk, yogurt, and fresh cement paste, using the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill technique. The signals obtained were processed by fitting the data to an exponential decay function to obtain the T<sub>2</sub> lifetimes and their corresponding signal intensities, and by Inverse Laplace Transformation to obtain the T<sub>2</sub> lifetime distribution. Results indicate the sensoŕs capability to detect variations in samples having different compositions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00677
Xavier Cano-Ferrer , Marcelo J. Moglie , George Konstantinou , Antonin Blot , Gaia Bianchini , Albane Imbert , Petr Znamenskiy , M. Florencia Iacaruso
Presenting visual stimuli in neuroscience experiments often requires precise temporal alignment between visual events and electrophysiological or behavioural recordings. This is typically achieved by combining analogue signals that convey timing information about the visual cue shown on liquid crystal displays (LCDs), sensed via photodetectors and recorded through analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) acquisition boards. However, most commercial photodetector systems pose limitations such as high voltage requirements, large sensor footprints that interfere with stimulus presentation, and limited compatibility with open-source platforms. Here, we present a compact, low-cost photodetector system designed for compatibility with common 3.3–5 V microcontroller-based development boards (e.g., Arduino) and the open-source visual programming language Bonsai, widely used in neuroscience for experiment control. The circuit consists of a photodiode, an amplification stage, and a low-pass filter, and can optionally incorporate an infrared filter—useful for experiments involving infrared touch displays. To facilitate reproducibility, we provide complete design files, a bill of materials and detailed building and operational instructions. We further introduce a four-channel variant, enabling the detection of four-bit binary signals for more complex synchronization needs. Validation and characterization of the device were performed through grayscale gamma correction analysis of LCD monitors using Bonsai. Additionally, we demonstrate the system’s utility in a head-fixed mouse experiment, synchronizing visual stimulus onset with neuronal recordings acquired via Neuropixels 2.0 probes. Performance comparisons with a commercial photodetector device indicate that our system achieves equivalent signal fidelity at a substantially lower cost, while maintaining a minimal footprint suitable for experimental use.
{"title":"PhotoNeuro: A compact photodetector for synchronization of visual stimulus presentation during behavioural experiments in neuroscience","authors":"Xavier Cano-Ferrer , Marcelo J. Moglie , George Konstantinou , Antonin Blot , Gaia Bianchini , Albane Imbert , Petr Znamenskiy , M. Florencia Iacaruso","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Presenting visual stimuli in neuroscience experiments often requires precise temporal alignment between visual events and electrophysiological or behavioural recordings. This is typically achieved by combining analogue signals that convey timing information about the visual cue shown on liquid crystal displays (LCDs), sensed via photodetectors and recorded through analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) acquisition boards. However, most commercial photodetector systems pose limitations such as high voltage requirements, large sensor footprints that interfere with stimulus presentation, and limited compatibility with open-source platforms. Here, we present a compact, low-cost photodetector system designed for compatibility with common 3.3–5 V microcontroller-based development boards (e.g., Arduino) and the open-source visual programming language Bonsai, widely used in neuroscience for experiment control. The circuit consists of a photodiode, an amplification stage, and a low-pass filter, and can optionally incorporate an infrared filter—useful for experiments involving infrared touch displays. To facilitate reproducibility, we provide complete design files, a bill of materials and detailed building and operational instructions. We further introduce a four-channel variant, enabling the detection of four-bit binary signals for more complex synchronization needs. Validation and characterization of the device were performed through grayscale gamma correction analysis of LCD monitors using Bonsai. Additionally, we demonstrate the system’s utility in a head-fixed mouse experiment, synchronizing visual stimulus onset with neuronal recordings acquired via Neuropixels 2.0 probes. Performance comparisons with a commercial photodetector device indicate that our system achieves equivalent signal fidelity at a substantially lower cost, while maintaining a minimal footprint suitable for experimental use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-09DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00667
Fausto Andrés Escobar , Carlos Felipe Rengifo , Víctor Hugo Mosquera
This study proposes an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) device based on a programmable system on a chip (PSoc). The EIT-PSoC system is implemented using two PSoC 5LP platforms. A resistive phantom is used to study frame frequency (fps), accuracy (Ac), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A saline phantom, along with both conductive and non-conductive objects, is employed to evaluate the system’s ability to detect changes in impedance distribution. Finally, the dielectric characteristics of the human lower pelvis is emulated using four agar phantoms, allowing an evaluation of the EIT-PSoC system’s performance in response to changes in fluid volume and conductivity. Experiments conducted on the resistive phantom to characterize the EIT-PSoC system demonstrate a frame frequency of 100 fps, a median SNR of 63.59 dB, and an accuracy of 95.39% when using a 0.98 mA sinusoidal current signal at 50 kHz. EIT image reconstruction shows that the proposed system can distinguish impedance changes in the saline phantom. Additionally, by utilizing the global impedance (GI) index and the agar phantoms, the EIT-PSoC system can detect changes in volume and conductivity, making this system a promising alternative for monitoring the volume and conductivity of biological fluids.
{"title":"Eight-channel high-speed electrical impedance tomography device implemented on a programmable system on a chip","authors":"Fausto Andrés Escobar , Carlos Felipe Rengifo , Víctor Hugo Mosquera","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) device based on a programmable system on a chip (PSoc). The EIT-PSoC system is implemented using two PSoC 5LP platforms. A resistive phantom is used to study frame frequency (fps), accuracy (Ac), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A saline phantom, along with both conductive and non-conductive objects, is employed to evaluate the system’s ability to detect changes in impedance distribution. Finally, the dielectric characteristics of the human lower pelvis is emulated using four agar phantoms, allowing an evaluation of the EIT-PSoC system’s performance in response to changes in fluid volume and conductivity. Experiments conducted on the resistive phantom to characterize the EIT-PSoC system demonstrate a frame frequency of 100 fps, a median SNR of 63.59 dB, and an accuracy of 95.39% when using a 0.98 mA sinusoidal current signal at 50 kHz. EIT image reconstruction shows that the proposed system can distinguish impedance changes in the saline phantom. Additionally, by utilizing the global impedance (GI) index and the agar phantoms, the EIT-PSoC system can detect changes in volume and conductivity, making this system a promising alternative for monitoring the volume and conductivity of biological fluids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00667"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00675
Hoai Phong Nguyen , Thuan Thanh Nguyen , Minh Phuong Le , Minh Tan Tran , Cong Duy Pham
This paper presents the hardware design for a three-phases energy storage system connected to the grid through a safe isolation transformer, suitable for use in university laboratory experiments. The power hardware configuration includes a bidirectional DC/DC buck-boost converter and a bidirectional 3-phase 6-switch DC/AC converter. Additionally, the control board uses the Texas Instruments DSP F28379D with a charging-discharging control program written in C programming language and compiled with Code Composer Studio (CCS v12). The current and voltage sensing circuits use Hall-effect sensors to isolate the power circuit from the control circuit. A unique aspect of this research is the modular design, allowing for quick and easy upgrades and changes to the configuration and power capacity, facilitating the testing of control algorithms for the storage system. Experiments were conducted on a 3-phase 380(V) power grid through an isolation transformer and a simulated battery bank powered by the APS1000 amplifier, with a 100(V) output voltage controlled in charging mode from the grid and discharging mode to the grid at a controlled power of 230(W). The results show that the hardware model can be used effectively in laboratory settings to serve educational needs.
本文介绍了一种适用于高校实验室实验的、经安全隔离变压器并网的三相储能系统的硬件设计。电源硬件配置包括双向DC/DC降压-升压转换器和双向三相6开关DC/AC转换器。此外，控制板采用德州仪器DSP F28379D，采用C语言编写充放电控制程序，并使用Code Composer Studio （CCS v12）编译。电流和电压传感电路使用霍尔效应传感器将电源电路与控制电路隔离开来。本研究的一个独特方面是模块化设计，允许快速轻松地升级和更改配置和功率容量，促进存储系统控制算法的测试。实验通过隔离变压器和APS1000放大器供电的模拟蓄电池组在三相380(V)电网上进行，控制输出电压为100(V)，从电网充电模式和向电网放电模式，控制功率为230(W)。结果表明，该硬件模型可以有效地用于实验室环境，以满足教学需求。
{"title":"Design and implementation of three-phases energy storage system using DSP F28379D for laboratory research","authors":"Hoai Phong Nguyen , Thuan Thanh Nguyen , Minh Phuong Le , Minh Tan Tran , Cong Duy Pham","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the hardware design for a three-phases energy storage system connected to the grid through a safe isolation transformer, suitable for use in university laboratory experiments. The power hardware configuration includes a bidirectional DC/DC buck-boost converter and a bidirectional 3-phase 6-switch DC/AC converter. Additionally, the control board uses the Texas Instruments DSP F28379D with a charging-discharging control program written in C programming language and compiled with Code Composer Studio (CCS v12). The current and voltage sensing circuits use Hall-effect sensors to isolate the power circuit from the control circuit. A unique aspect of this research is the modular design, allowing for quick and easy upgrades and changes to the configuration and power capacity, facilitating the testing of control algorithms for the storage system. Experiments were conducted on a 3-phase 380(V) power grid through an isolation transformer and a simulated battery bank powered by the APS1000 amplifier, with a 100(V) output voltage controlled in charging mode from the grid and discharging mode to the grid at a controlled power of 230(W). The results show that the hardware model can be used effectively in laboratory settings to serve educational needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00675"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00673
Sophie R. Cook , Erin E. Lawrence , Parastoo Sakinejad , Rebecca R. Pompano
Fluid flow is utilized in many microscale technologies, including microfluidic chemical reactors, diagnostics, and organs-on-chip (OOCs). In particular, OOCs may rely on fluid flow for nutrient delivery, cellular communication, and application of shear stress. In order for microscale flow systems to be readily adopted by non-experts, a tubing-free, user-friendly pump would be useful, particularly one that is simple to use, affordable, and compatible with cell culture incubators. To address these needs, here we share the design and fabrication of an impeller pump platform that provides recirculating fluid flow through a microfluidic loop without the need for tubing connections. Flow is driven by rotating a magnetic stir bar or 3D-printed impeller in a pump well, using magnets mounted on a DC motor. The DC motors used produce negligible heat output in a compact system, making it compatible with cell culture incubators. The pump platform accommodates user-defined microfluidic or OOC device geometries, which may be easily customized by 3D printing. Furthermore, the system is easily assembled from low-cost materials and simple circuitry by someone with no prior training. We demonstrate the ability of the platform to drive recirculating fluid flow in a microfluidic device at well-characterized flow velocities ranging from µm/s to mm/s for use with microfluidic technologies. Though designed with OOCs in mind, we envision that this platform will enable users from ranging disciplines to incorporate fluid flow in customized microscale technologies.
{"title":"Open-source tubing-free impeller pump platform for controlled recirculating fluid flow for microfluidics and organs-on-chip","authors":"Sophie R. Cook , Erin E. Lawrence , Parastoo Sakinejad , Rebecca R. Pompano","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fluid flow is utilized in many microscale technologies, including microfluidic chemical reactors, diagnostics, and organs-on-chip (OOCs). In particular, OOCs may rely on fluid flow for nutrient delivery, cellular communication, and application of shear stress. In order for microscale flow systems to be readily adopted by non-experts, a tubing-free, user-friendly pump would be useful, particularly one that is simple to use, affordable, and compatible with cell culture incubators. To address these needs, here we share the design and fabrication of an impeller pump platform that provides recirculating fluid flow through a microfluidic loop without the need for tubing connections. Flow is driven by rotating a magnetic stir bar or 3D-printed impeller in a pump well, using magnets mounted on a DC motor. The DC motors used produce negligible heat output in a compact system, making it compatible with cell culture incubators. The pump platform accommodates user-defined microfluidic or OOC device geometries, which may be easily customized by 3D printing. Furthermore, the system is easily assembled from low-cost materials and simple circuitry by someone with no prior training. We demonstrate the ability of the platform to drive recirculating fluid flow in a microfluidic device at well-characterized flow velocities ranging from µm/s to mm/s for use with microfluidic technologies. Though designed with OOCs in mind, we envision that this platform will enable users from ranging disciplines to incorporate fluid flow in customized microscale technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00668
Lasse Alexander Nissen Pedersen , Jeppe Don , Claus Melvad , Søren Rysgaard
Warmer conditions in the Arctic regions are causing sea ice to melt. Sea ice plays critical roles in reflecting solar radiation, mitigating heat absorption and slowing temperature rise. However, the reduction in annual sea ice formation, driven by rising temperatures, contributes to a positive feedback loop that accelerates further warming. This underscores the importance of monitoring seasonal sea ice growth. To address this need, a Temperature String Device has been developed. This innovative, low-cost, compact, and customizable solution is designed for easy deployment, requiring just one person or even a robot for non-human deployment. The device measures temperature throughout the sea ice and transmits data in real-time to the cloud, enabling immediate analysis to estimate sea ice thickness. Its default configuration collects 30 data points over a 3-meter depth at 30-minute intervals and remains operational for up to one year. Its affordability allows production of multiple units, enabling widespread deployment and enhancing spatial resolution. Furthermore, its suitability for robotic deployments makes it ideal for remote, inaccessible locations, facilitating simultaneous monitoring.
{"title":"Temperature string device (TSD): A new low-cost instrument for sea ice observations in remote areas","authors":"Lasse Alexander Nissen Pedersen , Jeppe Don , Claus Melvad , Søren Rysgaard","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Warmer conditions in the Arctic regions are causing sea ice to melt. Sea ice plays critical roles in reflecting solar radiation, mitigating heat absorption and slowing temperature rise. However, the reduction in annual sea ice formation, driven by rising temperatures, contributes to a positive feedback loop that accelerates further warming. This underscores the importance of monitoring seasonal sea ice growth. To address this need, a Temperature String Device has been developed. This innovative, low-cost, compact, and customizable solution is designed for easy deployment, requiring just one person or even a robot for non-human deployment. The device measures temperature throughout the sea ice and transmits data in real-time to the cloud, enabling immediate analysis to estimate sea ice thickness. Its default configuration collects 30 data points over a 3-meter depth at 30-minute intervals and remains operational for up to one year. Its affordability allows production of multiple units, enabling widespread deployment and enhancing spatial resolution. Furthermore, its suitability for robotic deployments makes it ideal for remote, inaccessible locations, facilitating simultaneous monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00668"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144570208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00669
Adam F. Parlin , Ned A. Horning , Jason P. Alstad , Bradley J. Cosentino , James P. Gibbs
The advent of GNSS tracking has allowed researchers to obtain detailed information on animal movement, which informs basic natural history and conservation management decisions. However, many devices are tailored to specific taxa thus limiting broader applicability. We present an open-source LoRaWAN (long range wide area network) GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracker, and an alternative commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) development board global positioning system (GPS) tracker, a subset of the GNSS system. The COTS development board tracker provides a pathway for designing and implementing a general purpose LoRaWAN tracking unit, while the advantages of the Wildlife Movement Institute (WMI) tracker permit specific animal tracking and additional information to be collected, such as battery voltage, estimated precision error, and received signal strength intensity. Both units have documentation for setting up a LoRa application and network server and can be easily programmed using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment. To test the utility of these trackers in a LoRa data transmission application, we pilot tested the units on Eastern gray squirrels in Syracuse, New York, USA. Our trackers highlight the capability for customizable, open-source tracking technology that can be tailored to a suite of study organisms allowing researchers to design, develop, and deploy low-cost, specialized wildlife tracking equipment.
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