Open-Source robotics in the automation of sample preparation for the chromatographic analysis of organic compounds

Author(s)

Deyber Arley Vargas Medina

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2018-10-19

Examining board members

Fernando Mauro Lanças; Claudimir Lucio do Lago; Fabio Rodrigo Piovezani Rocha; Eny Maria Vieira

• Advisor: Álvaro José dos Santos Neto

Abstract

The growing demand for rapid, simple and eco-friendly analyzes has made the search for miniaturization and automation of sample preparation procedures a permanent necessity. Although, nowadays there are a number of miniaturized sample preparation techniques, they are used manually in most situations. The access to automation tools is limited yet, in many chemistry laboratories. Fortunately, Open-Source robotics platforms have become an interesting alternative in the lab-made development lab made instruments and automated systems. This thesis presents three examples of laboratory development of robotic systems for the automation of miniaturized sample preparation techniques. In a first study, a cartesian robot capable of simultaneously operating six extraction microsystems was designed, constructed and programmed. This system was tested in the automation of microextraction by packaged sorbent (MEPS) and validated in the extraction of HPAs in sanitary sewage samples, demonstrating high accuracy and throughput analysis. A second cartesian robot, equipped with a single extraction unit, was designed, constructed and programmed to accomplish for the first time the online integration of the liquid phase microextraction (LPME) and the liquid chromatography analysis. This system allowed the development of a method for the determination of triazines, with an analysis time of 10 minutes, including sample preparation and separation / detection of the analytes. Finally, by integrating flow techniques, Open-Source robotics tools and 3D printing, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) was completely automated for the first time. The developed system was validated in the development of a method for the determination of parabens in personal care products, water, urine and saliva, thus demonstrating the great potential of modern technologies in the development of new, versatile and efficient automated systems in chemistry laboratories. (AU)