cc @OwenMelville, @nipun.0092 (polymer SDL) who are interested in something similar: Open-Air Chemistry Setup --- Overcoming limitations?
Based on some quick searches:
- https://support.opentrons.com/s/article/Chemical-resistance-of-Opentrons-pipettes
- Advancing Organic Chemistry Research with Automation: Michael Rourke
(Excerpt from case study above, they stuck it in a glovebox)
For example, we’re very proactive about safety here at Northwestern: organic solvents are flammable, and using them is a real risk. The ability to transition reaction setup to an automated system in a controlled environment such as an inert glove box has obvious advantages
Some other random thoughts that might help make the case:
- use the OT-2 pipette to pick up caps with “fake tips” and place on top of vials when not in use (rather than a septum needle workflows) (I think @FrantzLD is doing this, @Lilo 's group too with an electromagnet tool)
- install a sensor that measures VOCs or similar and issue a warning or alert if it’s abnormally high. Maybe have a baseline. Happy to elaborate - we have some sensors
- as part of SOP, minimizing the amount of solvent contained within the OT-2 at a given time (i.e., lower damage if explosion happens)
- use a shielding gas (e.g., from N2 generator) to simulate a glovebox environment
- Throttle the OT-2 speed (i.e., put less strain on the DC motors?)
- tabletop fumehoods (?)
- Remove all panels on OT-2 to avoid vapor buildup (?)
Excuse the fly-by comments