3D printed flow-through cuvette insert for UV–Vis spectrophotometric and fluorescence measurements

Rapid Prototyping technologies expand the availability of fabrication of plastic objects to non-skilled users that need sophisticated equipment for their research. In this communication, for the very first time, the universal design of photometric-fluorometric, UV–Vis compatible, 3D-printed flow-through cuvette with two optical paths (2 and 10 mm) is introduced. The cuvette insert was made with the use of the most economically viable Fused Material Deposition technology which enables truly one-step manufacturing and easy replicating of the device. A utility of the cuvette was presented in the example of the basic flow injection analysis experiments on the model photometric (bromothymol blue) and fluorometric (fluorescein) dyes and proven by investigation of solubility constant of calcium hydrophosphate dihydrate by determination of phosphate using fluorescence quenching of molybdenum blue-Rhodamine B ion pair formation and calcium reaction with calcein in basic environment. [Display omitted] •Ordinary, disposable cuvette can be quickly turned in to reliable flow vessel.•The 3D printed flow cuvette enables use in spectrophoto- and fluorometric detection.•High spectral transparency of the used cuvette allows detection in UV–Vis range.•The presented design can be used as disposable due to its negligible cost.