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Neto A, Gomes L, Vale Z. Open collaborative smart plugs for energy management. HARDWAREX 2024; 19:e00549. [PMID: 39040856 PMCID: PMC11261257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Given the growth of domotics and home automation, there is a need to use smart devices that integrate energy management systems and enable the automation of the environment. Considering the need to study the relationship between the environmental parameters in which the equipment is located and the energy parameters, an Environmental Awareness smart Plug (EnAPlug) is proposed with the application of machine learning (Tiny ML).This article presents a demonstration of EnAPlug applied to a refrigerator for predictions on internal humidity and activation motor for 5 min-ahead prediction on its operation, i.e., turning on or off. The two models for forecasting humidity presented Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) results of 0.055 and 0.058 and a Coefficient of determination (r2 score) of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. For the motor activation prediction, the results obtained were an accuracy of 94.74% and 94.84%, an F1 score of 0.97 for OFF, 0.94 for ON for Forecast 1 and 0.97 for OFF and 0.93 for ON for Forecast 2. Although the prototype does not have commercial purposes, what differs from existing smart plugs is the option to store data locally. The results are promising, as it allows for better energy management with implementation of machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almir Neto
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão (IFMA), Av. Getúlio Vargas, n 04, Monte Castelo, São Luís, MA, 65030-005, Brazil
| | - Luis Gomes
- GECAD-Research Group on Intelligent Engineering and Computing for Advanced Innovation and Development, Polytechnic of Porto (P.PORTO), P-4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Zita Vale
- GECAD-Research Group on Intelligent Engineering and Computing for Advanced Innovation and Development, Polytechnic of Porto (P.PORTO), P-4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Park SB, Shin JH. Open-source spring-driven syringe pump with 3D-printed components for microfluidic applications. HARDWAREX 2024; 19:e00550. [PMID: 39104615 PMCID: PMC11299592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The operation of microfluidic devices requires precise and constant fluid flow. Microfluidic systems in low-resource settings require a portable, inexpensive, and electricity-free pumping approach due to the rising demand for microfluidics in point-of-care testing (POCT). Open-source alternatives, employing 3D printing and motors, offer affordability. However, using motors require electrical power, which often relies on external sources, hindering the on-site use of open-source pumps. This study introduces a spring-driven, 3D-printed syringe pump, eliminating the need for an external power source. The syringe pump is operated by the flat spiral spring's torque. By manually winding up the mainspring, the syringe pump can be operated without electricity. Various flow rates can be achieved by utilizing different syringe sizes and choosing the right gear combinations. All the parts of the syringe pump can be fabricated by 3D printing, requiring no additional components that require electricity. It operates by winding a mainspring and is user-friendly, allowing flow rate adjustments by assembling gears that modulate syringe plunger pushing velocity. The fabrication cost is $25-30 and can be assembled easily by following the instructions. We expect that the proposed syringe pump will enable the utilization of microfluidic technologies in resource-limited settings, promoting the adoption of microfluidics. Detailed information and results are available in the original research paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2024.135289).
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Been Park
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Ho Shin
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea
- Major of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Smart Healthcare, College of Information Technology and Convergence, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
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3
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Wells KCDH, Kharma N, Jaunky BB, Nie K, Aguiar-Tawil G, Berry D. BioCloneBot: A versatile, low-cost, and open-source automated liquid handler. HARDWAREX 2024; 18:e00516. [PMID: 38524156 PMCID: PMC10955647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Liquid handler systems can provide significant benefits to researchers by automating laboratory work, however, their unaffordable price provides a steep barrier to entry. Therefore, we provide the BioCloneBot, a versatile, low-cost, and open-source automated liquid handler. This system can be easily built with 3D-printed parts and readily available commercial components. The BioCloneBot is highly adaptive to user needs and facilitates various liquid handling tasks in research and diagnostics. Its user-friendly interface and programmable nature make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale experiments to larger laboratory setups. By utilizing BioCloneBot, researchers and scientists can streamline their liquid handling processes without the financial constraints posed by traditional systems. In this paper, we detail the design, construction, and validation of BioCloneBot, showcasing its precise control, accuracy, and repeatability in various liquid handling tasks. The open-source nature of the system encourages collaboration and customization, enabling researchers to contribute and adapt the technology to specific experimental requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke’Koa CDH Wells
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nawwaf Kharma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Brandon B. Jaunky
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kaiyu Nie
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Berry
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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A Cataño J, Farthing S, Mascarenhas Z, Lake N, Yarlagadda PKDV, Li Z, Toh YC. A User-Centric 3D-Printed Modular Peristaltic Pump for Microfluidic Perfusion Applications. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14050930. [PMID: 37241553 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has enabled studies on dynamic physiological conditions as well as being deployed in drug testing applications. A microfluidic pump is an essential component to perform perfusion cell culture in OoC devices. However, it is challenging to have a single pump that can fulfil both the customization function needed to mimic a myriad of physiological flow rates and profiles found in vivo and multiplexing requirements (i.e., low cost, small footprint) for drug testing operations. The advent of 3D printing technology and open-source programmable electronic controllers presents an opportunity to democratize the fabrication of mini-peristaltic pumps suitable for microfluidic applications at a fraction of the cost of commercial microfluidic pumps. However, existing 3D-printed peristaltic pumps have mainly focused on demonstrating the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate the structural components of the pump and neglected user experience and customization capability. Here, we present a user-centric programmable 3D-printed mini-peristaltic pump with a compact design and low manufacturing cost (~USD 175) suitable for perfusion OoC culture applications. The pump consists of a user-friendly, wired electronic module that controls the operation of a peristaltic pump module. The peristaltic pump module comprises an air-sealed stepper motor connected to a 3D-printed peristaltic assembly, which can withstand the high-humidity environment of a cell culture incubator. We demonstrated that this pump allows users to either program the electronic module or use different-sized tubing to deliver a wide range of flow rates and flow profiles. The pump also has multiplexing capability as it can accommodate multiple tubing. The performance and user-friendliness of this low-cost, compact pump can be easily deployed for various OoC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Cataño
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
| | - Steven Farthing
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Zeus Mascarenhas
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Nathaniel Lake
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Prasad K D V Yarlagadda
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central 4300, Australia
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- Max Planck Queensland Centre (MPQC) for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
- Centre for Microbiome Research, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
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Closed-loop Control Systems for Pumps used in Portable Analytical Systems. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1695:463931. [PMID: 37011525 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The demand for accurate control of the flowrate/pressure in chemical analytical systems has given rise to the adoption of mechatronic approaches in analytical instruments. A mechatronic device is a synergistic system which combines mechanical, electronic, computer and control components. In the development of portable analytical devices, considering the instrument as a mechatronic system can be useful to mitigate compromises made to decrease space, weight, or power consumption. Fluid handling is important for reliability, however, commonly utilized platforms such as syringe and peristaltic pumps are typically characterized by flow/pressure fluctuations and slow responses. Closed loop control systems have been used effectively to decrease the difference between desired and realized fluidic output. This review discusses the way control systems have been implemented for enhanced fluidic control, categorized by pump type. Advanced control strategies used to enhance the transient and the steady state responses are discussed, along with examples of their implementation in portable analytical systems. The review is concluded with the outlook that the challenge in adequately expressing the complexity and dynamics of the fluidic network as a mathematical model has yielded a trend towards the adoption of experimentally informed models and machine learning approaches.
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Torres-Acosta MA, Lye GJ, Dikicioglu D. Automated liquid-handling operations for robust, resilient, and efficient bio-based laboratory practices. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Gervasi A, Cardol P, Meyer PE. Automated Open-Hardware Multiwell Imaging Station for Microorganisms Observation. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13060833. [PMID: 35744447 PMCID: PMC9227061 DOI: 10.3390/mi13060833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bright field microscopes are particularly useful tools for biologists for cell and tissue observation, phenotyping, cell counting, and so on. Direct cell observation provides a wealth of information on cells’ nature and physiological condition. Microscopic analyses are, however, time-consuming and usually not easy to parallelize. We describe the fabrication of a stand-alone microscope able to automatically collect samples with 3D printed pumps, and capture images at up to 50× optical magnification with a digital camera at a good throughput (up to 24 different samples can be collected and scanned in less than 10 min). Furthermore, the proposed device can store and analyze pictures using computer vision algorithms running on a low power integrated single board computer. Our device can perform a large set of tasks, with minimal human intervention, that no single commercially available machine can perform. The proposed open-hardware device has a modular design and can be freely reproduced at a very competitive price with the use of widely documented and user-friendly components such as Arduino, Raspberry pi, and 3D printers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Gervasi
- Genetics and Physiology of Microalgae, InBios/Phytosystems, Institut de Botanique, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Pierre Cardol
- Genetics and Physiology of Microalgae, InBios/Phytosystems, Institut de Botanique, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (P.E.M.)
| | - Patrick E. Meyer
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Lab, InBios/Phytosystems, Institut de Botanique, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (P.E.M.)
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Vadivel D, Branciforti DS, Kerroumi O, Dondi M, Dondi D. Mostly 3D printed chemical synthesis robot. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00310. [PMID: 35518279 PMCID: PMC9062585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to the current technology derived from the open-source world of 3D printers, it is conceivable to automate some laboratory activities remotely. In fact, simple operations, such as mixing liquids or solutions, stirring, heating and sampling to control the reaction course can be easily implemented. The idea of automating the chemical laboratory would have immediate advantages, for example in terms of safety. The operators will be able to remotely control the machines and in case of handling dangerous material or accidents, there would only be damage to the hardware components. Many of the process parameters can also be read with low-cost probes and devices that can be easily interfaced with microprocessors. We include for example, but not limited to, temperature, pH, redox potential, electrochemical measurements in general or the use of probes for specific analytes. In this work we wish to present our liquid sampling station able to control up to 6 reagents and a temperature controlled chemical reactor. The workstation can be used graphically with an intuitive interface written in Python. The control program is structured to have modularity and contains a built-in programming language to control the interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanalakshmi Vadivel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 6 - 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Othman Kerroumi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Dondi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Dondi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 6 - 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Baas S, Saggiomo V. Ender3 3D printer kit transformed into open, programmable syringe pump set. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00219. [PMID: 35607679 PMCID: PMC9123459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A cheap, open source 3D printer (Creality Ender 3) is transformed into an Open Hardware, programmable syringe pump set. Only 3 parts need to be purchased outside of the printer kit. All other parts are either in the Ender 3 kit, or can be 3D printed. No prior knowledge in electronics or programming languages is required. The pumps are controlled by the 3D printer firmware and motherboard and programmed in simple G-code text files. The total cost of a three pumps setup is ∼€170. The pumps are capable of reaching stable flows down to 5 µL/min using cheap, disposable 10 mL syringes. Higher flow speeds are also achievable, in the order of mL/min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Baas
- Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology, Bornse Weilanden 9, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vittorio Saggiomo
- Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology, Bornse Weilanden 9, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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