Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
08:29
An Open Source Technology Platform to Manufacture Hydrogel-Based 3D Culture Models in an Automated and Standardized Fashion
Published on: March 31, 2022
5.0K
Reconfigurable Pipet for Customized, Cost-Effective Liquid Handling.
Daniel J Wilson1, Charles R Mace1
1Department of Chemistry, Tufts University , 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 29, 2017
Summary
We created a reconfigurable multichannel pipet for custom liquid handling. This innovative tool simplifies the fabrication of complex paper-based microfluidic devices, offering an ergonomic solution for researchers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional linear multichannel pipets are unsuitable for custom analytical tools like paper-based microfluidic devices.
- Existing methods for fabricating custom devices are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multichannel air displacement pipet with reconfigurable channels.
- To enable efficient and precise liquid handling for nonstandard geometries, particularly paper-based microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- Modification of a commercial 8-channel pipet using machined and 3D-printed components.
- Development of reconfigurable channels for adaptable liquid handling.
- Quantitative performance evaluation against a calibrated single-channel pipet.
Main Results:
- The reconfigurable pipet successfully handles nonstandard liquid volumes and geometries.
- Performance in volume delivery experiments is comparable to a calibrated single-channel pipet.
- Demonstrated ability to fabricate complex paper-based microfluidic devices efficiently.
Conclusions:
- The reconfigurable multichannel pipet advances custom analytical tool development.
- It provides an ergonomic and efficient alternative for paper-based microfluidic device fabrication.
- Supports nonstandard liquid handling requirements in research and development.
