Dual-arm Robotic Compound-oriented Measurement System: Integration of a Positive Pressure Solid Phase Extraction Unit

Abstract

Processes in compound-oriented measurements require a complex sample preparation prior the measurement. Solid phase extraction is a common procedure to separate the desired analytes from a complex sample matrix (sample cleanup). This multi-step procedure is often performed in a manual way with sequential sample processing. An automation will increase the sample throughput by parallel processing of multiple samples. In highly regulated areas, established and validated standard operating procedures must not be changed. The automation of laboratory processes often requires a process adaption, which results in differences to the manual procedure and many processes are still performed manually. Flexible automation systems are needed to perform a sample preparation process identical to the manual procedure. Dual-arm robots are a promising solution due to their human-like structure. A positive pressure unit for automated solid-phase extraction was integrated (hardware and software) into a dual-arm robotic system. The system allows automated compound-oriented measurement processes identical to the manual procedure. The graphical user interface enables the process generation and adaption by laboratory staff without programming knowledge or direct robot teaching. A practical application was realized for determination of benzoic acids in water using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The entire process involves the solid phase extraction followed by a sample derivatization, the transfer of the samples into the autosampler of the measuring device and the measurement in a fully automated process using a dual-arm robot.