Journal article

Authors list: Romero, Maria C.O.; Jakob, Kevin; Schmidt, Johannes; Nimmerfroh, Thomas; Schwack, Wolfgang; Morlock, Gertrud E.

Publication year: 2025

Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta

Volume number: 1367

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344103

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

Background: The miniaturized 2LabsToGo predecessor system consolidated most devices used in the planar chromatography laboratory and toxicological bioassay testing laboratory; however, important features for greater user convenience were still missing. It can be used for non-target chemical safety analysis of products on the global market or environmental samples to detect known and unknown hazardous compounds.
Results: The system had to be redeveloped due to the many changes and improvements and was termed 2LabsToGo-Eco to make this difference recognizable. Twelve new key elements were implemented for the first time, such as solar panels for power supply-free operation, autosampler for hands-free application of samples, Mini-Shaker, Nebulizer, and Mini-Incubator as smart bioassay tools, superior tools for imaging, and electronic mainboard to eliminate cable and circuit board clutter. It was again designed open-source for do-it-yourself assembly. Miniaturization and dematerialization let to the reduction (compared to the status quo) of instrument investment costs by a factor of 35, starting capital by a factor of 18, weight by a factor of 12, infrastructure and bench space requirement by a factor of 9, and power supply by a factor of 4 or even 711 using solar energy. The new 2LabsToGo-Eco was proven and demonstrated for quantitative non-target safety analysis of cosmetics, personal care products, and foods.
Significance: For the first time, the sustainable 2LabsToGo-Eco is ready to go viral to allow for a non-target safety analysis with a prioritization strategy using the consolidated chromatography–bioassay lab. It boosts the transformation of laboratories towards sustainability, enables mobile on-site testing, allows customization of instruments, and democratizes access to chromatography and bioassay equipment.

Harvard Citation style: Romero, M., Jakob, K., Schmidt, J., Nimmerfroh, T., Schwack, W. and Morlock, G. (2025) Consolidating two laboratories into the most sustainable lab of the future: 2LabsToGo-Eco, Analytica Chimica Acta, 1367, Article 344103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344103

APA Citation style: Romero, M., Jakob, K., Schmidt, J., Nimmerfroh, T., Schwack, W., & Morlock, G. (2025). Consolidating two laboratories into the most sustainable lab of the future: 2LabsToGo-Eco. Analytica Chimica Acta. 1367, Article 344103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344103