장화용 (서강대학교)

장화용 (서강대학교)

장화용 (서강대학교)

오한빈 (서강대학교)

In this study, we introduce a innovative robotic system designed to automate the sample preparation process for LC-MS analysis. Manual sample preparation often suffers from inefficiencies, lack of reproducibility, and challenges in replicating results. To overcome these issues, we developed an automated sample preparation robot incorporating 3D printing techniques. This involved customizing an open-source 3D printer, employing G-code language, implementing three-dimensional coordinate motion controls, integrating a commercial 3D printer control board, and utilizing software such as Klipper and web clients for 3D printer management.

Our system focuses on automating preparation steps for LC-MS analysis and consists of three primary subsystems: the Automated Liquid Handling System (ALHS), Automated Reagent Storage System (ARSS), and Automated Consumable and Equipment Storage System (ACESS).

To validate the performance of our automated sample preparation robot, we carried out the time-intensive TEMPO-free radical initiated peptide sequencing (TEMPO-FRIPS) peptide preparation process. We conducted a comparative analysis of time efficiency and reproducibility of quantitative results between manual and automated methods. To promote accessibility and collaboration, we have made all design files, manuals, and associated software of our system available as open-source resources, allowing researchers to freely use and customize them to enhance their LC-MS analysis efficiency.