Additive manufacturing-based device for urea determination in milk and cosmetic samples.

Abstract

Portable chemical analysis devices have a broad applicability in tests where a simple and rapid response is required, such as in samples of perishable products (milk, serum, blood, or urine). In these types of samples, it is of paramount importance to understand the chemical reactions that occur and may interfere with the analysis, in addition to using instantaneous reactions. These devices can be created using additive manufacturing (3D printing), allowing the development of objects from virtual models. Printed fluorimeters and/or photometers are typically used for rapid analyses, as they are portable and cost-effective compared to traditional spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. The design of these devices allows for greater control of their characteristics to optimize these analyses, such as reducing the volume of samples and reagents required. This project aims to determine urea colorimetrically in milk and cosmetic product samples through a reaction with para-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p-DMAB), producing a yellow-colored complex. The reaction product will be analyzed using a spectrophotometric device obtained through 3D printing, containing simple and inexpensive electronic components designed in the laboratory. The response variable will be the absorbance value obtained from the resistance variable response generated by the reaction. It is expected to achieve high efficiency compared to reference methods, as it will contain the necessary components of a traditional photometer, only miniaturized and portable.