2 research outputs found
3D-Printed Paper Spray Ionization Cartridge with Fast Wetting and Continuous Solvent Supply Features
We
report the development of a 3D-printed cartridge for paper spray
ionization (PSI) that can be used almost immediately after solvent
introduction in a dedicated reservoir and allows prolonged spray generation
from a paper tip. The fast wetting feature described in this work
is based on capillary action through paper and movement of fluid between
paper and the cartridge material (polylactic acid, PLA). The influence
of solvent composition, PLA conditioning of the cartridge with isopropanol,
and solvent volume introduced into the reservoir have been investigated
with relation to wetting time and the amount of solvent consumed for
wetting. Spray has been demonstrated with this cartridge for tens
of minutes, without any external pumping. It is shown that fast wetting
and spray generation can easily be achieved using a number of solvent
mixtures commonly used for PSI. The PSI cartridge was applied to the
analysis of lidocaine from a paper tip using different solvent mixtures,
and to the analysis of lidocaine from a serum sample. Finally, a demonstration
of online paper chromatography–mass spectrometry is given
Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing for (Bio)analytical Device Fabrication: Procedures, Materials, and Applications
In
this work, the use of fused deposition modeling (FDM) in a (bio)analytical/lab-on-a-chip
research laboratory is described. First, the specifications of this
3D printing method that are important for the fabrication of (micro)devices
were characterized for a benchtop FDM 3D printer. These include resolution,
surface roughness, leakage, transparency, material deformation, and
the possibilities for integration of other materials. Next, the autofluorescence,
solvent compatibility, and biocompatibility of 12 representative FDM
materials were tested and evaluated. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility
of FDM in a number of important applications. In particular, we consider
the fabrication of fluidic channels, masters for polymer replication,
and tools for the production of paper microfluidic devices. This work
thus provides a guideline for (i) the use of FDM technology by addressing
its possibilities and current limitations, (ii) material selection
for FDM, based on solvent compatibility and biocompatibility, and
(iii) application of FDM technology to (bio)analytical research by
demonstrating a broad range of illustrative examples