Dzakovich Lab Protocols & STL Files for 3D-Printed Hydroponics

Summary

The Dzakovich Lab (Michael P. Dzakovich, USDA-ARS-funded research program) publishes the complete method layer behind its modular 3D-printed hydroponics work as open, versioned resources. The centerpiece is "Dzakovich Lab 3D Printed Hydroponics System Setup" on protocols.io (V.2, dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.e6nvw4pw9lmk/v2), a step-by-step assembly and operation protocol peer-reviewed alongside the PLOS One paper Layers to Leaves. Printable files live on the NIH 3D database: the Single Tower system (3DPX-021941), the Double Tower system (3DPX-021942), and a Slant Board Mounting Fixture for Seed Germination (2024). A companion Spinach Germination Protocol (V.3, dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5qpvodxebg4o/v3) covers osmopriming, felt-wick transfer, and transplanting seedlings into 2" neoprene collars. Together these resources let a lab or classroom go from raw filament to a running, experiment-grade hydroponics system using only public documents and a hobbyist FDM printer. Modelers are Suraj Chandramouli and Ethan Shaw; the NIH 3D listings recommend PLA or PETG at 20% infill and stainless-steel nozzles to minimize lead contamination from brass.

Guiding Principles

Open Source — Protocols are openly published with DOIs and versioning on protocols.io; STL files are free on NIH 3D, a US government repository; the associated paper is CC0.
STEM Integration — The protocols embed real experimental practice (blocking, EC/pH control, germination science) rather than a toy demonstration, transferring authentic research methodology to learners.
Modularity — Files are organized so each component (tower, lid, germination fixture) is independently downloadable, printable, and adaptable.
Transferable Skills — Reading a formal protocol, versioning documents, and following a bill of materials are professional lab skills learners carry into any STEM field.

Learning Outcomes & Transferable Skills

Following these resources develops 3D Printing (material and nozzle selection, infill specification), Biology (seed osmopriming with H2O2, cotyledon-stage transplanting, slant-board germination), Water Chemistry (Hoagland's solution preparation, EC targets of 0.6–2.4 dS/m, pH 5.5–6.0), Systems Thinking (pump selection, tubing routing, reservoir management), and Data Literacy (the protocols are designed to produce publishable-quality controlled-experiment data). Because the methods are versioned and DOI-cited, learners also absorb norms of reproducible science.

How to Replicate or Build On It

Start with the protocols.io setup protocol — it is the authoritative build sequence and includes the full external materials list.
Download STL files from NIH 3D entry 3DPX-021941 (Single Tower) or 3DPX-021942 (Double Tower).
If starting from seed, follow the Spinach Germination Protocol V.3 and print the Slant Board Mounting Fixture.
Print at 20% infill in PLA or PETG with a stainless-steel nozzle; see Layers to Leaves for the validation data and cost tables behind these files.
Build on the work by forking the protocol on protocols.io (the platform supports derivative versions) or modifying the STL models for other crops.

Considerations & Constraints

Cost: All documents and files are free; physical build cost is low (filament at ~$19/kg plus tote, pump, tubing, and neoprene collars).
Skill Level: Intermediate — the assembly protocol is detailed, but nutrient management and germination steps assume basic lab or gardening competence.
Space/Climate: Designed for controlled indoor environments (growth chambers, classrooms, greenhouses); not an outdoor system.
Tools Required: Hobbyist FDM printer (≥ ~250×210×210 mm bed preferred), slicer, submersible pump, ½" ID vinyl tubing, ULINE S-20588GR 20 L tote or equivalent, EC/pH meters for full protocol fidelity.
Ongoing Maintenance: Routine solution changes and pH/EC checks; pump root-ingress mitigation needed beyond five weeks.
Access Barriers: English only; protocols.io requires a free account for some features; NIH 3D page provides no structured versioning beyond version notes.

Prerequisites

None required; pairs naturally with Layers to Leaves

Primary Source

https://3d.nih.gov/entries/3DPX-021941 (protocol at https://www.protocols.io/view/dzakovich-lab-3d-printed-hydroponics-system-setup-e6nvw4pw9lmk/v2)