3D printed opto-microfluidic autonomous analyzer for photometric applications

HardwareX. 2023 Feb 28:14:e00406. doi: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00406. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

3D printed opto-microfluidic autonomous analyzer for photometric applications performs the automation of analytical micro-processes. The proposed device was designed under restrictions of small size and low energy consumption, which allow its portability for in-situ, on line and real time analysis. The autonomous process and auto-calibration consists of four functions: control and data acquisition; hydrodynamic: fluid pumping and flow injection; optical detection and wireless communication. All electronics systems where controlled with a virtual instrument interface. In the experiments carried out to measure fluorides, the results obtained were very close to those obtained with laboratory equipment. The consumption of reagents was 50% less and waste was reduced by 80%. The cost of the portable and autonomous microanalyzer is 75% less than large and robust laboratory equipment.

Keywords: Auto-calibration; Automation microprocesses; Hydrodynamic system; Microanalyzer; Optical detection; Opto-microfluidic.