Mikrobikokoa

Mikrobikokoa is a modular, portable microbiology platform designed to democratize access to basic microbial analysis and education. The system integrates compact hardware with standardized, safe workflows, enabling hands-on microbiology in classrooms, libraries, and field settings. It emphasizes affordability, openness, and ease of use, while adhering to biosafety guidelines.

The name Mikrobikokoa reflects the project’s focus on micro-scale laboratory work. It originated from collaborations among universities, schools, and maker communities seeking an affordable, entry-level solution for microbiology education and basic research.

The platform comprises modular components: a compact incubator, a basic imaging module (optical microscope), a sterile workspace or simulated laminar flow, pre-sterilized consumables, and an open hardware/software suite. It supports safe, BSL-1 workflows and uses non-pathogenic strains and prepared kits, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia coli K-12.

An accompanying software suite provides experiment templates, data logging, and progress tracking. Protocols are open-source and community-curated, with step-by-step demonstrations that can be adapted for different age groups and settings.

Applications include K-12 and higher education curricula, citizen science projects, and field-based environmental sampling. The system is designed for scalable deployment in resource-limited settings and for rapid prototyping of simple assays.

Safety and regulatory considerations emphasize BSL-1 practices, required supervision and training, proper waste disposal, and avoidance of clinical diagnostics or growth of pathogenic organisms.

See also: microbiology education, open-source hardware, portable lab kits.