3D printed device including disk-based solid-phase extraction for the automated speciation of iron using the...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Advanced manufacturing techniques, particularly 3D printing, are essential for creating innovative analytical tools.
• Traditional flow networks in analytical instrumentation often rely on discrete components, potentially limiting performance and reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate modular devices with integrated features for automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) using stereolithographic 3D printing.
• To demonstrate the application of these 3D printed devices in a multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) system for automated iron speciation and quantification.
• To evaluate the performance improvements, including sensitivity and reproducibility, compared to conventional analytical manifold designs.

Main Methods:

• Stereolithographic 3D printing was used to fabricate a modular device integrating analyte oxidation, disk-based SPE, and analyte complexation.
• The 3D printed device was directly interfaced with a multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) system.
• The system was applied to the automated speciation, SPE, and spectrophotometric quantification of iron (Fe) in water samples.

Main Results:

• A limit of detection of 7 ng for total Fe was achieved, with a dynamic linear range from 22 ng to 2400 ng Fe.
• Excellent reproducibility was observed with an intra-day RSD of 4% and an inter-day RSD of 4.3%.
• The integrated 3D printed device demonstrated an 85% increase in sensitivity for total Fe determination compared to conventional flow manifolds.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing offers a powerful approach for fabricating integrated, modular devices for automated flow-based analytical methods.
• The developed 3D printed SPE device enhances sensitivity and reproducibility, representing a significant advancement for automated analysis.
• This technology holds promise for improving interlaboratory analysis and the development of next-generation analytical instrumentation.