Planning and operation system/software development for automated microextraction equipment

• Grant number: 22/01612-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Alvaro José dos Santos Neto
• Grantee: João Marcus Epifanio Morais de Assunção
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/02147-0 - Single drop chromatography and its coupling to mass spectrometry: instrumental strategies, development of materials, automation and analytical applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

The thematic project includes the improvement, as well as the development of new versions of an instrument for automated sample preparation using microextraction techniques (e.g. MEPS, SDME and HF-LPME). At the moment, there is already a system capable of performing automated procedures that gather the necessary steps to operate the aforementioned techniques. On the other hand, the current level of programming is based on the use of less user-friendly interfaces, despite these being relatively simplified since they are based on Arduino. In this sense, carrying out a project that involves the development of a program that is more friendly to the end-user will make the platform more suitable for dissemination within the user group. For the pursuit of this objective, a work plan is presented for IC students with experience in Computer Science or Engineering, with emphasis on mechanical automation process, profiles typically found in EESC students and ICMC from USP. For the development of this theme, the fellow must develop a friendly interface for the end-user, in order to make the operation of the system more logical to the profile of analytical chemists. To this end, there will be cooperation between the hardware development team, the applications part, and the selected fellow. Among the main steps to be performed, the following stand out: (I) familiarization with the basic operating programming already developed in Arduino; (II) study and understanding of the operational procedures necessary for each type of use(MEPS, SDME, HF-LPME); (III) programming for the execution of operational procedures fundamental to MEPS, SDME and HF-LPME. As complementary aspects, if possible, the stages of chemometric organization/planning of experiments will be included for the optimization of variables, through an intuitive program that leads to the execution of experimental procedures from the delimitation of the values of the variables and types of experimental design.(AU)