A functional prototype of the Toxi Auto® robotic device was prepared to automatically prepare samples containing harmful substances. The device enables fully automated and safe sample preparation to analyze toxic substances and their metabolites in serial mode (sequential preparation of one sample after another). The ToxiAuto® robot has a modular design that allows flexible placement of individual modules as required by a particular customer. In the automatic mode, ToxiAuto® performs the following operations: transfer of liquid samples, sample dilution, evaporation of samples using a unique evaporation module created in cooperation with Pragolab s.r.o, separation of two layers of liquids by microcentrifugation, vortexing, for toxic substances using an especially dedicated injection syringe. A module for storage of samples at 4 ° C and a module for accelerated rinsing of the batch device are also parts of the robot. ToxiAuto® is controlled by an external computer and operated by the Robolab program. For optimal use of the robot device, the kit for the analysis of xenobiotics and their metabolites using reactive agents such as alkyl chloroformates, diazomethane, trimethylsilyldiazomethane and others, is an integral part of the appliance. For the automatic preparation of samples, unique agents with stable isotopes based on ethylchloroformate are simultaneously tested, which enable unambiguous identification of the carboxyl functional group and other protic functional groups in the structure of the analyte under investigation. The trademark of the ToxiAuto® robotic appliance has been registered with the Industrial Property Office and is owned by the Biological Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i.
Automatic robotic preparation