Abstract
Additive manufacturing, known as three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, has revolutionized production in all domains of science and technology. Although 3D printing has a high impact on research and development, its capacity to implement low-cost, flexible, and robust sample handling automation has not been exploited in full. To this end, we have created a low-cost, robust, and easy-to-utilize kit to transform an off-the-shelf fused deposition modeling 3D printer to a thin layer chromatography (TLC) sample application device. Our technology solution improves TLC convenience when higher throughput of the established method is required. The developed dual-needle sprayer allows simple and exceptionally robust automatic sample application. The device is especially well-suited for high-performance TLC-assisted method selection in counter-current chromatography. A step-by-step guide and list of required parts, including 3D printable files with instruction, can be obtained from the Supporting Information for research usage and open development.
Highlights
Minimal sample preparation, flexibility, and cost efficiency of thin layer chromatography (TLC) render the method attractive to initial proof of concept research andchemical reaction monitoring.[1]
Morlock et al have contributed to the community with many open source solutions ranging from piezo-driven InkJet printer utilization to 3D printable TLC plates.[2−6] We contribute to the open-access minimal effort transformation of popular RepRap 3D printing platforms, which can be realized in less than a week for less than ∼0.5 k $
For a proof of concept, the device was used for the application of exemplary microalgae crude extracts
Summary
Flexibility, and cost efficiency of thin layer chromatography (TLC) render the method attractive to initial proof of concept research and (bio)chemical reaction monitoring.[1] High-performance TLC (HPTLC) remains attractive because of its simplicity and yet astonishing analytical power. Featured systems for lowcost open access development of TLC methods have been published recently.[2] Especially, Morlock et al have contributed to the community with many open source solutions ranging from piezo-driven InkJet printer utilization to 3D printable TLC plates.[2−6] We contribute to the open-access minimal effort transformation of popular RepRap 3D printing platforms, which can be realized in less than a week for less than ∼0.5 k $. We were able to utilize the liquid handling system to estimate sample distributions in standard counter-current chromatography two-phasic solvent systems in reference to the empirical GUESS method (see Figure 3B/C).[7,8]
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