A custom, 3D printed platform integrates cell culture, selective metabolite extraction, and direct mass spectrometry analysis in a resettable 96-well design. The system features three interlocking parts: a top section with wells filled with solid agar for microbial growth, a matching bottom section, and an intervening sub-micron membrane that allows small metabolites to diffuse while keeping microorganisms separated. The platform streamlines experiments by culturing microbes under various stimuli, then enabling rapid sample preparation via desiccation, freezing, and solvent-based extraction for direct mass spectrometric analysis using a robotic interface.
Description
This technology is differentiated by its all-in-one modular design that eliminates many laborious steps inherent in traditional methods. By integrating cultivation, extraction, and analysis into a single custom 3D printed platform, it offers high-throughput, cost-effective, and time-efficient operation suitable for various microbial and chemical studies. Its unique configuration, which uses tailored 3D printing and custom Openscad code along with compatibility with commercial robotic systems, sets it apart as an innovative solution for studying complex exometabolomic profiles.
Applications
- High-throughput metabolomics screening
- Automated microbial drug discovery
- Customized culture assay development
- Environmental microbiome analysis
Advantages
- High-throughput screening with a 96-well format for simultaneous analysis
- Cost-effective and simplified design compared to traditional methods
- Streamlined, all-in-one process integrating culture, extraction, and analysis
- Rapid, time-efficient workflow with direct mass spectrometry injection
- Customizable and modular design adaptable to various experimental needs
IP Status
Research Tool
