University Chemistry ›› 2023, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (4): 291-299.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202301019

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Open Laboratory Teaching Design of Instrumental Analysis: Construction of a Modular Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection System Based on LEGO Blocks

Pan Jianzhang1,2,*(), Mengting Zhang1, Xiaoyang Zhang1, Yucheng Liao1, Xinran Xu1, Qun Fang1,2,*()   

  1. 1 Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    2 Hangzhou International Science and Innovation Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China
  • Received:2023-01-26 Accepted:2023-03-09 Published:2023-03-29
  • Contact: Pan Jianzhang, Qun Fang E-mail:kelvonpan@zju.edu.cn;fangqun@zju.edu.cn

Abstract:

In this work, a modular Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection system LEGO LIF for undergraduate laboratory course was developed based on optical modules constructed from commercially available LEGO blocks and 3D-printed blocks. The system was applied to the laboratory teaching of undergraduate instrumental analysis, and the students were instructed to build the LIF system based on functional building blocks and apply it to the determination of sodium fluorescein solutions. The system is characterized by low cost, easy construction and flexible operation. The way of modular construction greatly reduced the threshold of instrument construction, and can be completed within 3 h by undergraduate students without experience. The introduction of the LIF modular construction design into the open teaching session can inspire students' interest and enthusiasm in the instrumental analysis course, and help deepen students' understanding of fluorescence analysis principles and LIF detection system structure, exercise students' hands-on ability as well as improve students' ability to find and solve problems during the process of system construction.

Key words: Laser-induced fluorescence detector, Modular design, LEGO blocks, 3D printing, Open teaching