3D-Printed Liquid Handling Robot for the Development of Automated Analytical Methods

Abstract

Developing regions facing financial constraints often struggle to access new technological products; however, the affordability and adaptability of 3D printing technologies are transforming this reality. In this study, we propose the development of a versatile, user-friendly, compact, and robust liquid handling system, called NuPE-Robot, designed for automated analyses and built using affordable components, including standard parts commonly used in 3D printers and custom-designed elements fabricated via 3D printing, along with open-source Python software. Once activated, the compact robotic system can automatically prepare and analyze standard and sample solutions using 3D-printed batch injection analysis (BIA) cells (enabling automatic calibration), with either colorimetric detection or electrochemical detection (amperometric or potentiometric). To demonstrate its broad applicability, automatic calibration procedures were carried out for six model analytes: Fe^III, phosphate, nitrite, and glucose using colorimetric detection; paracetamol using amperometric detection; and chloride using potentiometric detection. All analyses were successfully conducted using a single, fully integrated compact system. The only changes required were in the detection technique, highlighting the versatility and efficiency of the system in handling various analytical tasks. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed system to democratize access to automated analysis, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for developing regions and laboratories.

Keywords:
automation; colorimetric detection; compact robotic system; electrochemical detection; open-source; Python