Consolidating two laboratories into the most sustainable lab of the future: 2LabsToGo-Eco

Background

The miniaturized 2LabsToGo predecessor system consolidated most devices used in the planar chromatography laboratory and toxicological bioassay testing laboratory; however, important features for greater user convenience were still missing. It can be used for non-target chemical safety analysis of products on the global market or environmental samples to detect known and unknown hazardous compounds.

Results

The system had to be redeveloped due to the many changes and improvements and was termed 2LabsToGo-Eco to make this difference recognizable. Twelve new key elements were implemented for the first time, such as solar panels for power supply-free operation, autosampler for hands-free application of samples, Mini-Shaker, Nebulizer, and Mini-Incubator as smart bioassay tools, superior tools for imaging, and electronic mainboard to eliminate cable and circuit board clutter. It was again designed open-source for do-it-yourself assembly. Miniaturization and dematerialization let to the reduction (compared to the status quo) of instrument investment costs by a factor of 35, starting capital by a factor of 18, weight by a factor of 12, infrastructure and bench space requirement by a factor of 9, and power supply by a factor of 4 or even 711 using solar energy. The new 2LabsToGo-Eco was proven and demonstrated for quantitative non-target safety analysis of cosmetics, personal care products, and foods.

Significance

For the first time, the sustainable 2LabsToGo-Eco is ready to go viral to allow for a non-target safety analysis with a prioritization strategy using the consolidated chromatography–bioassay lab. It boosts the transformation of laboratories towards sustainability, enables mobile on-site testing, allows customization of instruments, and democratizes access to chromatography and bioassay equipment.