How to translate text using browser tools
20 April 2021 3D Printing of Human Microbiome Constituents to Understand Spatial Relationships & Shape Parameters in Bacteriology
Jacques Izard, Teklu Kuru Gerbaba, Shara R. P. Yumul
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Effective laboratory and classroom demonstration of microbiome size and shape, diversity, and ecological relationships is hampered by a lack of high-resolution, easy-to-use, readily accessible physical or digital models for use in teaching. Three-dimensional (3D) representations are, overall, more effective in communicating visuospatial information, allowing for a better understanding of concepts not directly observable with the unaided eye. Published morphology descriptions and microscopy images were used as the basis for designing 3D digital models, scaled at 20,000×, using computer-aided design software (CAD) and generating printed models of bacteria on mass-market 3D printers. Sixteen models are presented, including rod-shaped, spiral, flask-like, vibroid, and filamentous bacteria as well as different arrangements of cocci. Identical model scaling enables direct comparison as well as design of a wide range of educational plans.

© 2021 by The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press's Reprints and Permissions web page, https://www.ucpress.edu/journals/reprints-permissions.
Jacques Izard, Teklu Kuru Gerbaba, and Shara R. P. Yumul "3D Printing of Human Microbiome Constituents to Understand Spatial Relationships & Shape Parameters in Bacteriology," The American Biology Teacher 83(3), 188-190, (20 April 2021). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2021.83.3.188
Published: 20 April 2021
JOURNAL ARTICLE
3 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
3D printing
microbiology education
science literacy
tactile
visual
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top