Unmanned platform for long‐range remote analysis of volatile compounds in air samples

Abstract

This paper describes a long-range remotely controlled CE system built on an all-terrain vehicle. A four-stroke engine and a set of 12-V batteries were used to provide power to a series of subsystems that include drivers, communication, computers, and a capillary electrophoresis module. This dedicated instrument allows air sampling using a polypropylene porous tube, coupled to a flow system that transports the sample to the inlet of a fused-silica capillary. A hybrid approach was used for the construction of the analytical subsystem combining a conventional fused-silica capillary (used for separation) and a laser machined microfluidic block, made of PMMA. A solid-state cooling approach was also integrated in the CE module to enable controlling the temperature and therefore increasing the useful range of the robot. Although ultimately intended for detection of chemical warfare agents, the proposed system was used to analyze a series of volatile organic acids. As such, the system allowed the separation and detection of formic, acetic, and propionic acids with signal-to-noise ratios of 414, 150, and 115, respectively, after sampling by only 30 s and performing an electrokinetic injection during 2.0 s at 1.0 kV.

Fast and versatile fabrication of PMMA microchip electrophoretic devices by laser engraving

“…Although traditionally limited by the resolution of the engraver, the process has been explored to fabricate microfluidic components for different applications including injectors [28], channels [29,30], pumps [31], mixers [32], cytometers [33], valves [34], reactors [35], and devices for PCR amplification [36].…”

Fast and versatile fabrication of PMMA microchip electrophoretic devices by laser engraving

“…The vector mode, normally used to cut through substrates, can be programed to define lines (theoretically) as small as 25 µm (0.001 in). This resolution is about 1/10 of the spot size produced by a system manufactured by Symrad [37] and about 1/6 of the spot size produced by a system manufactured by Gravograph (600 dpi) [28]. In order to avoid exposure to monomers released to the working environment after the decomposition of the substrate, the vent of the engraver was connected to an air filter (model AD350, BOFA; Staunton, IL), equipped with a HEPA / activated aluminum potassium permanganate and an activated carbon panel.…”

“…Although traditionally limited by the resolution of the engraver, the process has been explored to fabricate microfluidic components for different applications including injectors [28], channels [29, 30], pumps [31], mixers [32], cytometers [33], valves [34], reactors [35], and devices for PCR amplification [36]. …”

Micro Total Analysis Systems: Fundamental Advances and Applications in the Laboratory, Clinic, and Field

“…235 Another autonomous system was a lab-on-a-robot, which contained a temperature-controlled microfluidic device integrated with capillary electrophoresis that could be operated by long-range remote control on an all-terrain vehicle. 236 In other cases, integrated components increased the information content produced by lab-on-a-chip devices. For example, a recent device for environmental samples integrated a 3D mixer, an LED array, photodetector, and accompanying electronics for colorimetric detection at seven wavelengths, allowing determination of phenols, chromium (VI), and nitrite.…”