title: Powder dispensing robot for sample preparation.
abstract: An automated powder dispensing station capable of transferring milligram quantities (1-100 mg) of powder for sample preparation was developed and integrated into a commercial robotic workstation (Zymark Prelude). The system's performance was optimized with respect to vacuum flow rate and powder transfer tube cross sectional area, and shown to possess excellent powder dispensing accuracy (RSD = < or = 0.1% for target weights < or = 15 mg) and precision (RSD = 3.43%) for a vanillin sample. Using the commercial features of the Zymark Prelude workstation (liquid handling, weighing, and vortexing/mixing) and the custom powder dispensing station, multiple sets of analytical calibration standards were prepared and subsequently analyzed by FIA in order to assess the system's robustness for sample preparation.
authors.affiliation: Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1000 Route 202, Box 300, Raritan, NJ 08869, USA. afermier@prdus.jnj.com
authors.forename: Adam M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fermier
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Troisi
authors.forename: Erin C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Heritage
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Drexel
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gallea
authors.forename: Kelly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Swinney
mesh_terms: D004345:Drug Industry; D011208:Powders; D012371:Robotics; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D011208:Powders