The BioPelle is designed to be a simple-to-use manipulator or small-scale 3D printer to set up or break down 3D cell culture experiments in Liquid Like Solids™ or other 3D mediums. Whether it is a spatial orientation of a tumor mass with a group of immune cells, the placement of a bolus of cytokines, or the collection of a particularly aggressive cell for downstream analysis, the BioPelle is up to the task.

When mounted to a microscope turret and aligned with the optical axis, the selected micropipette tip, needle, or capillary tube can be positioned precisely over the desired sample by using the existing stage controls on the microscope. A Luer-Lock fitting at the end of the BioPelle means a wide array of tips are available for use.

The manipulator head and volumetric controllers are fabricated from 316 stainless steel and assembled with chemically resistant Viton O-rings and a Delrin manifold frame, making the unit durable and compatible with laboratory-grade cleaning solutions and ethanol. Fluid lines are comprised of clear, gas-impermeable tubing filled with biocompatible phosphate-buffered saline. Additionally, flushing of the lines for cleaning or removing air bubbles can be completed by using the coarse dial to push fluid through the system. The length of tubing provided is long enough to isolate the controller manifold from the microscope (about 1.5 meters) to protect imaging from vibrations.

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