Optimization of smartphone-based on-site-capable uranium analysis in water using a 3D printed microdevice

Seamless integration of Internet of Things, miniaturization, and environmental chemical surveillance

IoT is a game-changer across all fields, including chemistry. Embracing sustainable practices and green chemistry, the miniaturization and automation of systems, and their integration into IoT is key to achieving these principles, as a rising trend with momentum. Particularly, IoT and analytical chemistry are linked in the rapid exchange of analytical data for environmental, industrial, healthcare, and educational applications. Meanwhile, cooperation with other fields of science is evident, and there is a prompt and subjective analysis of information related to analytical systems and methodologies. This paper will review the concepts, requirements, and architecture of IoT and its role in the miniaturization and automation of analytical tools using electronic modules and sensors. The aim is to explore the standards and perspectives of IoT and its interaction with different aspects of analytical chemistry. Additionally, it aimed to explain the basics and applications of IoT for chemists, and its relevance to different subfields of analytical chemistry, particularly in the field of environmental chemical surveillance. The article also covers updating IoT devices and creating DIY-based degradation devices to enhance the educational aspect of chemistry and reduce barriers to lab facilities and equipment. Lastly, it will explore how IoT is really important and how it's going to significantly impact analytical chemistry.

Application of three-dimensional printing technology in environmental analysis: A review

The development of environmental analysis devices with high performance is essential to assess the potential risks of environmental pollutants. However, it is still challenging to develop environmental analysis equipment with miniaturization, portability, and high sensitivity based on traditional processing techniques. In recent years, the popularity of 3D printing technology (3DP) with high precision, low cost, and unlimited design freedom has provided opportunities to solve the existing challenges of environmental analysis. 3D printing has brought solutions to promote the high performance and versatility of environmental analysis equipment by optimizing printing materials, enhancing equipment structure, and integrating multidisciplinary technology. In this paper, we comprehensively review the latest progress in 3D printing in various aspects of environmental analysis procedures, including but not limited to sample collection, pretreatment, separation, and detection. We highlight their advantages and challenges in determining various environmental contaminants through passive sampling, solid-phase extraction, chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometry detection. The manufacturing of 3D-printed environmental analysis devices is also discussed. Finally, we look forward to their development prospects and challenges.

High-performance microchip electrophoresis separations of preterm birth biomarkers using 3D printed microfluidic devices

We employed digital light processing-stereolithography 3D printing to create microfluidic devices with different designs for microchip electrophoresis (µCE). Short or long straight channel, and two- or four-turn serpentine channel microfluidic devices with separation channel lengths of 1.3, 3.1, 3.0, and 4.7 cm, respectively, all with a cross injector design, were fabricated. We measured current as a function of time and voltage to determine a separation time window and conditions for the onset of Joule heating in these designs. Separations in these devices were evaluated by performing µCE and measuring theoretical plate counts for electric field strengths near and above the onset of Joule heating, with fluorescently labeled glycine and phenylalanine as model analytes. We further demonstrated µCE of peptides and proteins related to preterm birth risk, showing increased peak capacity and resolution compared to previous results with 3D printed microdevices. These results mark an important step forward in the use of 3D printed microfluidic devices for rapid bioanalysis by µCE.