MicroBubbles and SAMPLES against Microplastics
MicroBubbles GmbH is a startup and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations (SPRIND). It develops innovative technologies to treat contaminated water, with the goal of removing microplastics and micropollutants from water sources worldwide. With SAMPLES, the “Analysis” process has been optimized, partially automated, and structured to meet audit requirements.
Key Aspects of the Project
- Sample management
- Sample Analysis
- Device integration
- Workflows / Automation
- Quality Management / Certification
About MicroBubbles GmbH
We analyze microplastic particles quickly and accurately! At our in-house analytical laboratory in Bad Lippspringe, we perform precise analyses of microplastics. In our ISO Class 7 and 8 certified cleanrooms, we use state-of-the-art technology that enables us to perform low-contamination analyses and deliver reliable results, even with complex samples. This includes matrix-specific sampling, sample preparation, and the precise selection of analytical methods.
Using a wide range of analytical methods and drawing on our in-depth expertise, we determine the composition, potential sources, and concentration of microplastics in various water bodies. Our analyses form the foundation and create the conditions necessary for root-cause analyses, pollution assessments, and impact-oriented measures in water protection.
Map Workflows Directly in SAMPLES
with a partner who listens carefully
“Here at MicroBubbles, we set up an analytical platform for microplastics in a very short time. Early on, we decided to map the laboratory processes directly within a LIMS. After much consideration and comparison, we chose SAMPLES. We have not regretted that decision. In particular, the collaboration with our implementation partner, LIMS at work, as well as with the team at qualitype, made all the difference for us during the LIMS implementation. They provided excellent support and were great listeners, even when we weren’t sure which direction our lab processes were heading. LIMS at work and qualitype consistently took the time to understand our processes and offered constructive LIMS solutions.”
Dr. Marina Huber-Gedert, Head of the Analytics Team & Laboratory Director
01
Challenges & Objectives
We faced the challenge of implementing a completely new system—from the ground up—and integrating it into the lab’s daily routine, all while simultaneously expanding and scaling the lab.
In this challenging scenario, we focused primarily on the following topics:
- Creating Methods and Research Objectives
- Standardization for the Naming of Orders and Samples
- Illustration of the entire workflow for a sample
The objective can be summed up simply: All data and processes that affect the results must be documented in SAMPLES LIMS. The journey to get there was an educational one.
02
Approach & Implementation
Given our objectives, it quickly became clear to us that, above all, we needed a LIMS with highly flexible customization options that would provide us with maximum support in method development and allow us the greatest possible freedom.
Through our collaborative discussions, we developed a way for sample analyses to undergo a dynamic process. This “flexible approach” allows us, as users, to make additions or changes to the method even during the analysis, if necessary.
Other typical applications, such as the integration of laboratory equipment, have also proven valuable in our day-to-day lab work. By connecting our scale, we were able to eliminate human error—specifically, the manual entry of values. This integration saves us time and reduces errors. This also applies to direct label printing from within SAMPLES. Equally convenient is the ability to navigate directly to a sample in the LIMS using the QR code.
Last but not least, SAMPLES ensures that all processes are fully documented, which makes lab work noticeably easier.
03
Results & Conclusion
The flexibility of SAMPLES and its ability to accommodate our diverse requirements have made the implementation and initial phase of the SAMPLES application an exciting and successful project at MicroBubbles GmbH.
We are confident that, as a high-quality service laboratory specializing in microplastic and particle analysis—and with the SAMPLES laboratory information and management system at our disposal—we will successfully address our clients’ needs.
Experience & test SAMPLES now!
We invite you to experience the award-winning SAMPLES in a compact live demo. If you are interested, you can also test SAMPLES free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to your registration.