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Murray G, Bednarski S, Hall M, Foster SW, Jin S, Davis JJ, Xue W, Constans E, Grinias JP. Comparison of Design Approaches for Low-Cost Sampling Mechanisms in Open-Source Chemical Instrumentation. HARDWAREX 2021; 10:e00220. [PMID: 34553104 PMCID: PMC8452234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Robotic positioning systems are used in a variety of chemical instruments, primarily for liquid handling purposes, such as autosamplers from vials or well plates. Here, two approaches to the design of open-source autosampler positioning systems for use with 96-well plates are described and compared. The first system, a 3-axis design similar to many low-cost 3D printers that are available on the market, is constructed using an aluminum design and stepper motors. The other system relies upon a series of 3D printed parts to achieve movement with a series of linker arms based on Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) design principles. Full printer design files, assembly instructions, software, and user directions are included for both samplers. The positioning precision of the 3-axis system is better than the SCARA mechanism due to finer motor control, albeit with a slightly higher cost of materials. Based on the improved precision of this approach, the 3-axis autosampler system was used to demonstrate the generation of a segmented flow droplet stream from adjacent wells within a 96-well plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greggory Murray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Samuel Bednarski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Michael Hall
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Samuel W. Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - SiJun Jin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Joshua J. Davis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | - Eric Constans
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - James P. Grinias
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
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Davis JJ, Foster SW, Grinias JP. Low-cost and open-source strategies for chemical separations. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1638:461820. [PMID: 33453654 PMCID: PMC7870555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a trend toward utilizing open access resources for laboratory research has begun. Open-source design strategies for scientific hardware rely upon the use of widely available parts, especially those that can be directly printed using additive manufacturing techniques and electronic components that can be connected to low-cost microcontrollers. Open-source software eliminates the need for expensive commercial licenses and provides the opportunity to design programs for specific needs. In this review, the impact of the "open-source movement" within the field of chemical separations is described, primarily through a comprehensive look at research in this area over the past five years. Topics that are covered include general laboratory equipment, sample preparation techniques, separations-based analysis, detection strategies, electronic system control, and software for data processing. Remaining hurdles and possible opportunities for further adoption of open-source approaches in the context of these separations-related topics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Davis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Samuel W Foster
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - James P Grinias
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States.
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