Tools
Technologies Developed by the BBL
Although we develop tools for our own research applications in separation science and neuroscience, we always keep an eye towards broad utility, open source principles, and digital distribution. Below you will find a collection of tools and technologies developed by the BBL that, we believe, may be useful in research settings beyond our own lab. We plan to update this page with new details, and new tools and technologies as they become available.
3D Printed Tools
LED-Induced Fluorescence Detector for Fused Silica Capillaries
This 3D printed optical system utilizes a low cost, high intensity LED as a fluorescence excitation source, and transmits fluorescence emission to a PMT via optical fiber bundle. The system was designed to fit multiple detectors within a commercial CE instrument, and was optimized for green fluorescence (488 ex / 520 em) with an LOD of ~ 600 pM for fluorescein dye. Adapting this system for other fluorescent wavebands should be extremely straightforward by swapping the LED source and emission filter.
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Cite this work: Anal. Chem. 2019, 91, 15, 9451–9457
Taylor Dispersion Analysis Instrument with Two-Point LIF Detection
Taylor dispersion analysis is a straightforward method for determining molecular and macromolecular diffusion coefficients. The dual LIF detectors in this instrument are optimized for yellow fluorescence (532 ex. / 580 em.), but should be easily adaptable to other fluorescent wavebands by swapping laser diode modules and emission axis filters. Coming soon: we'll provide below some additional information on best practices in assembly and usage of the instrument.
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Cite this work: (coming soon)
A High Stability Vacuum Pressure Source with no Moving Parts
Eductors are vacuum sources that can be used to drive flow in microfluidic applications. Based on the Bernoulli principle, this device takes compressed air (or other gas) as in input and entrains a modest vacuum pressure which can be connected to the outlet of a capillary or other microfluidic flow system. Two key benefits to this type of flow induction are continuous access to fluid inlet reservoirs, and exceptional pressure stability as compared to mechanical diaphragm pumps.
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Cite this work: (coming soon)
Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detector for Fused Silica Capillaries
The LED-induced fluorescence detector above is well suited for space-limited situations. Laser-induced fluorescence is a more sensitive detection mode, and the availability of low cost laser diode modules makes this detection system adaptable to multiple fluorescent wavebands. The original system was optimized for yellow fluorescence (532 ex. / 580 em.), with an LOD of 80 pM for R-Phycoerythrin. The emission axis is designed on standard 1"/25 mm optical tube assemblies.
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Software Tools
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Protocols, Resources, Tips & Tricks
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