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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.11.24.689779

Customizable FDM-based zebrafish embryo mold for live imaging

Rivera Pineda, M. X.·Lehtimäki, J.·Jacquemet, G.
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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.

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Rivera Pineda, M. X., Lehtimäki, J., Jacquemet, G.. 2025-11-26. Customizable FDM-based zebrafish embryo mold for live imaging. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.24.689779

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