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Automation of 3D digital rolling circle amplification using a 3D-printed liquid handler
Suyeon Shin1, Hyo Geun Yun1, Haerim Chung2
1Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|June 21, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a cost-effective, 3D-printed liquid handler using a fluidic manifold, simplifying automation for biochemical assays. This innovation enhances throughput and reproducibility in laboratory workflows, particularly for complex assays like 4D digital rolling circle amplification.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Laboratory Automation
Background:
- Automated liquid handling is crucial for improving throughput and reproducibility in biochemical assays.
- High costs and complexity of robotic systems often limit the adoption of laboratory automation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible and cost-effective automated liquid handling system.
- To demonstrate the utility of a 3D-printed fluidic manifold for biochemical assay automation.
Main Methods:
- Designed and 3D-printed a dispensing and aspirating (DA) device, a fluidic manifold with parallelized multi-pipette structures.
- Engineered a custom liquid handler for 3D digital rolling circle amplification (4DRCA).
- Validated the system for automating sample preparation for simultaneous oncogenic marker analysis in leukemia cells.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed DA device successfully automated complex liquid handling steps for 4DRCA.
- The system enabled precise reagent supply and removal, enhancing assay reproducibility.
- Demonstrated efficacy in preparing clinical samples for simultaneous in situ analysis of protein and transcript markers.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing offers a versatile and affordable approach to creating custom liquid handlers.
- The developed fluidic manifold-based system provides an effective solution for high-throughput, reproducible biochemical assay automation.
- This technology can significantly lower barriers to adopting automation in research and clinical laboratories.
