Open-source, handheld, wireless spectrometer for rapid biochemical assays

Abstract

Translating spectrometers into a field-portable, open-source analytical device offers great potential for clinical and environmental applications. However, current spectrometers lack one or more of the following features that might be necessary for the next-generation spectrometer: open-source engineering, multi-spectral analysis, rapid mixing, and portable, wireless operation. We herein report a handheld spectrometer made from commercially available parts, including a spectrometer sensor and a microcontroller, thus facilitating development of an open-source bioengineering tool. In contrast to the stereotype of conventional spectrometers, this device is designed as a micropipette, which can not only precisely place a liquid sample onto the sensor, but also rapidly mix assay components for homogeneous biochemical reactions by simple pipetting. In addition to the fluidic functionality, the embedded electronics enables continuous, wireless, multi-spectral analysis. We demonstrate these unique capabilities by evaluating the hemolytic potential of a toxic agent for blood, and the degradation kinetics of an organic pollutant catalyzed by gold nanoparticles. Overall, the brand-new spectrometer represents a rapidly evolving, potentially transformative technology that can facilitate unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction, and modification by non-expert users, and further enable diverse usage, even for unanticipated applications.