Open-Source Assisted Laboratory Automation through Graphical User Interfaces and 3D Printers: Application to Equipment Hyphenation for Higher-Order Data Generation

Abstract

Higher-order data generation implies some automation challenges, which are mainly related to the hidden programming languages and electronic details of the equipment. When techniques and/or equipment hyphenation are the key to obtaining higher-order data, the required simultaneous control of them demands funds for new hardware, software, and licenses, in addition to very skilled operators. In this work, we present Design of Inputs-Outputs with Sikuli (DIOS), a free and open-source code program that provides a general framework for the design of automated experimental procedures without prior knowledge of programming or electronics. Basically, instruments and devices are considered as nodes in a network, and every node is associated both with physical and virtual inputs and outputs. Virtual components, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of equipment, are handled by means of image recognition tools provided by Sikuli scripting language, while handling of their physical counterparts is achieved using an adapted open-source three-dimensional (3D) printer. Two previously reported experiments of our research group, related to fluorescence matrices derived from kinetics and high-performance liquid chromatography, were adapted to be carried out in a more automated fashion. Satisfactory results, in terms of analytical performance, were obtained. Similarly, advantages derived from open-source tools assistance could be appreciated, mainly in terms of lesser intervention of operators and cost savings.

Automatic generation of photochemically induced excitation-emission-kinetic four-way data for the highly selective determination of azinphos-methyl in fruit juices

“…123 Otra de las estrategias publicadas consistió en la recolección de fracciones en pocillos de placas de ELISA a la salida del procedimiento cromatográfico, a intervalos de no más de 2 s, registrándose posteriormente las EEMs de cada una de las fracciones. 124,125 Por último, en un tercer enfoque se propuso el acoplamiento del instrumento cromatográfico a un espectrofotómetro de fluorescencia de barrido rápido, conectando el capilar de salida de la columna de separación a una celda de flujo ubicada en el porta-cubetas del espectrofotómetro. 126,127,128 El correcto modelado de los datos generados es esencial para lograr extraer mayor información de calidad y representativa del caso real de estudio.…”

Cost-Effective Wireless Microcontroller for Internet Connectivity of Open-Source Chemical Devices

“…2 This provides an opportunity for fabrication and control of laboratory hardware using common microelectronics, 3,4 such as the Arduino microcontrollers. 5,6 The benefit of microcontrollers to students of chemistry has been reported before, 4,[7][8][9][10][11][12] along with a study that suggests technical instrument learning combined with guided inquiry increases students problem solving skills. 13 Students typically interact with instruments in the laboratory, and although commercial instrumentation can be operated remotely, 14 microcontrollers used in chemistry do not usually include wireless technology.…”

“…However, scientific instruments can be expensive relative to open-source custom built hardware, and associated software packages are usually licensed and therefore not customizable . The recent availability of common microelectronics for capture of data, , such as Arduino microcontrollers, − provides an opportunity for cost-effective open-source systems to connect laboratory hardware to the Internet of Things.…”

Office Chromatography: Miniaturized All-in-One Open-Source System for Planar Chromatography

“…Liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection were combined with the help of a Prusa i3 3D printer for assisted laboratory automation. 21 Furthermore, a Printrbot 3D printer was modified for automated sample preparation. 22 In our previous study, a slurry doser was designed to be mounted on a Prusa i3 3D printer for production of TLC or HPTLC layers in planar chromatography.…”

“…The modification of a RepRap system for laboratory usage was demonstrated several times. Liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection were combined with the help of a Prusa i3 3D printer for assisted laboratory automation . Furthermore, a Printrbot 3D printer was modified for automated sample preparation .…”