Our project aims to automate liquid dispensing in laboratories.
The transfer of liquids in chemistry or biology experiments can be extremely labourious and repetitive. Some examples include exothermic or kinetic reactions in Chemistry, which require dropwise addition due to it being temperature-dependent and rate-dependent respectively, as well as cell viability assays and polymerase chain reactions in Biology, which require multiple additions of liquid reagents. In addition, we have noticed that researchers face the problem of not being able to complete experiments due to other experiments being delayed, or even skip meals due to the same reason. Another reason worthy to take note is that the repetitive motions of withdrawing and dispensing liquid can be taxing on the hands of the researchers.
We are re-purposing a 3D printer to create an automated micropipette and an automated microsyringe system. In doing so, we hope to be able to allow researchers to multi-task by running few experiments at once.
Project stages
- Design and print components to attach pipette/syringe to motor, use g-code to control movement of axes
- Test 3D prints which control the motion of pressing down on pipette/syringe to draw and dispense liquid
- Accurate volume control: calibration of steps of motor to against volume of liquid withdrawn in syringe & distinction between first and second depress for micropipette)
- Changing of micropipette tip
- User interface
Sketches
Micropipette system:
Microsyringe system:
