FlaskLED: an additive manufacturing approach for low-cost illuminated culture flask bioreactors

This methodology paper introduces an illuminated culture flask-based 3D-printed bioreactor system (FlaskLED) based on Arduino, Grove ecosystem and LED sticks. The Arduino microcontroller allows extensibility and future upgrades via programming and other modifications. We provide the 3D printer files, video presentation of assembly instructions and a detailed description of the INO code and wiring scheme. The INO code presented can be used to produce different light colors and patterns of varying intensity and durations (intermittent/flashing/pulsing light). The system was validated by examining the toxicity of Au³⁺ ions on Phaeodactylum tricornutum growth. The capabilities of the system offer unique applications for laboratory and industrial research. Our aim is to provide a low-cost and open-source tool to promote and improve cultivation of microalgae and other photosynthetic organisms under different laboratory and experimental setups.