Abstract
In bioanalytics, highly pure samples are required for sensitive analyses, which makes the meticulous extraction of analytes from complex bioanalytical matrices necessary. At the same time, the different types of matrices require specific sample preparation processes, for which a number of specialized devices are needed. The high amount of work involved makes it reasonable to automate these processes, especially as there is a lack of skilled workers who are indispensable for manual processing.
While high sample throughputs are a prerequisite for the cost-effective automation of these processes with dedicated automation systems, these high throughputs are not always available in smaller bioanalytical laboratories with changing analytes and processes. Therefore, more flexible automation concepts that can adapt to a variety of laboratory sizes and requirements are needed.
This thesis is dedicated to the development of a flexible, cost-effective automation concept for bioanalytical sample preparation processes.
Liquid transfer is a core element in laboratory processes, which is why a cartesian pipetting robot was chosen as the platform for the automation system. By analyzing various bioanalytical sample preparation processes essential components for a flexible automation system are identified. The identified key devices are integrated into the pipetting robot, ensuring its applicability across the field of bioanalytics.
To test the developed automation concept, four typical bioanalytical applications, such as cannabinoid purification from serum, urine and saliva or antibody extraction from cell culture medium, are selected and realized with the automation system.
The quality of the automated purifications is meticulously controlled through a series of validations, ensuring the reliability of the system.
A cost comparison calculation between the manual and automated processes is carried out to evaluate the automation system's cost-effectiveness. Based on the resulting costs per sample, the system's overall profitability is examined, and a suitable sample preparation program is developed.
In addition, the aspect of sustainability is reviewed.
The realization and evaluations show that the designed flexible system is suitable for the cost-effective automation of complex bioanalytical sample preparation processes.
