scholarly journals micrIO: an open-source autosampler and fraction collector for automated microfluidic input–output

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott A. Longwell ◽  
Polly M. Fordyce

MicrIO is a low-cost, open-source hardware and software solution for automated sample input/output, bridging the gap between microfluidic devices and standard multiwell plates.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott A. Longwell ◽  
Polly M. Fordyce

Microfluidic devices are an empowering technology for many labs, enabling a wide range of applications spanning high-throughput encapsulation, molecular separations, and long-term cell culture. In many cases, however, their utility is limited by a ‘world-to-chip’ barrier that makes it difficult to serially interface samples with these devices. As a result, many researchers are forced to rely on low-throughput, manual approaches for managing device input and output (IO) of samples, reagents, and effluent. Here, we present a hardware-software platform for automated microfluidic IO (micrIO). The platform, which is uniquely compatible with positive-pressure microfluidics, comprises an ‘AutoSipper’ for input and a Fraction Collector for output. To facilitate wide-spread adoption, both are open-source builds constructed from components that are readily purchased online or fabricated from included design files. The software control library, written in Python, allows the platform to be integrated with existing experimental setups and to coordinate IO with other functions such as valve actuation and assay imaging. We demonstrate these capabilities by coupling both the AutoSipper and Fraction Collector to a microfluidic device that produces beads with distinct spectral codes, and an analysis of the collected bead fractions establishes the ability of the platform to draw from and output to specific wells of multiwell plates with no detectable cross-contamination between samples.


Author(s):  
Antor Mahamudul Hashan ◽  
Abdullah Haidari ◽  
Srishti Saha ◽  
Titas Paul

Due to the rapid development of technology, the use of numerically controlled machines in the industry is increasing. The main idea behind this paper is computer-aided design (CAD) based low-cost computer numerical control 2D drawing robot that can accurately draw complex circuits, diagrams, logos, etc. The system is created using open-source hardware and software, which makes it available at a low cost. The open-source LibreCAD application has been used for computer-aided design. Geometric data of a CAD model is converted to coordinate points using the python-based F-Engrave application. This system uses the Arduino UNO board as a signal generator of the universal g-code sender without compromising the performance. The proposed drawing robot is designed as a low-cost robot for educational purposes and aims to increase the student's interest in robotics and computer-aided design (CAD) skills to the next level. The drawing robot structure has been developed, and it meets the requirements of low cost with satisfactory experimental results.


2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (29) ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Reguera ◽  
D. García ◽  
M. Domínguez ◽  
M.A. Prada ◽  
S. Alonso

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Wincott ◽  
Andrew Jefferson ◽  
Ian M. Dobbie ◽  
Martin J. Booth ◽  
Ilan Davis ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTCommercial fluorescence microscope stands and fully automated XYZt fluorescence imaging systems are generally beyond the limited budgets available for teaching and outreach. We have addressed this problem by developing “Microscopi”, an accessible, affordable, DIY automated imaging system that is built from 3D printed and commodity off-the-shelf hardware, including electro-mechanical, computer and optical components. Our design features automated sample navigation and image capture with a simple web-based graphical user interface, accessible with a tablet or other mobile device. The light path can easily be switched between different imaging modalities. The open source Python-based control software allows the hardware to be driven as an integrated imaging system. Furthermore, the microscope is fully customisable, which also enhances its value as a learning tool. Here, we describe the basic design and demonstrate imaging performance for a range of easily sourced specimens.HighlightsPortable, low cost, self-build from 3D printed and commodity componentsMultimodal imaging: bright field, dark field, pseudo-phase and fluorescenceAutomated XYZt imaging from a tablet or smartphone via a simple GUIWide ranging applications in teaching, outreach and fieldworkOpen source hardware and software design, allowing user modification


Author(s):  
Arvid Ramdeane ◽  
Lloyd Lynch

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, Trinidad and Tobago, operates a network of over 50 stations for earthquake and volcanic monitoring in the Eastern Caribbean islands. These stations form a seismic network consisting of various types of instrumentation, and communication systems. Over a period of 11 years, the Centre has embarked on an initiative of upgrading and expanding the current network with combinations of broadband and/or strong motion sensors, high dynamic range digitizers and networking equipment to link each station to centralized observatories via high speed digital data transmission medium. To realize such an upgrade and expansion, the Centre has developed a seismic data acquisition system prototype built using open-source hardware and software tools. The prototype is intended to be low-cost using off the shelf hardware components and open-source seismic related software handling data acquisition and data processing in two separate modules. The prototype uses a three-channel accelerometer sensor and can process data into standard MiniSEED format for easy data archiving and seismic data analysis. A global position module provides network time protocol time synchronization within 1 millisecond for accurate timestamping of data. Data can be stored locally on the prototype in twenty-minute data files or securely transferred to a central location via internet with the use of virtual private network capabilities. The prototype is modular in design allowing for components to be replaced easily and the system software can be updated remotely thus reducing maintenance cost.


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