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🧪 DiluteIt | Host Cell Lab Suite

Universal dilution solver. Fast, clear, and lab-ready.

DiluteIt is a lightweight web app for solving the universal dilution equation (C1V1 = C2V2) in a clean, mobile-friendly interface.
It is part of Host Cell, a growing suite of practical laboratory and bioprocess tools built by Emiliano Balderas (IBt-UNAM).

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What is DiluteIt?

DiluteIt solves one of the most common calculations in biotechnology and lab workflows: dilution planning.

The app lets you solve for any one of the four variables in the dilution equation:

  • C1 = stock concentration
  • V1 = stock volume (aliquot / inoculum)
  • C2 = target final concentration
  • V2 = final total volume

You choose the unknown, provide the other three values, and the app returns the result with unit-aware handling.


🧬 Scientific Fundamentals

DiluteIt applies the dilution equation derived from conservation of solute amount:

$$C_1V_1 = C_2V_2$$

Variable definitions

  • C1: concentration of the stock solution
  • V1: volume of stock used (aliquot / inoculum)
  • C2: desired final concentration
  • V2: final total volume

Rearranged forms (examples)

Depending on the unknown variable, the app solves:

$$V_1 = \frac{C_2 \times V_2}{C_1}$$

$$C_1 = \frac{C_2 \times V_2}{V_1}$$

$$C_2 = \frac{C_1 \times V_1}{V_2}$$

$$V_2 = \frac{C_1 \times V_1}{C_2}$$


✅ Unit Logic (Important)

DiluteIt supports practical concentration and volume units for routine lab use.

Supported concentration bases

  • M, mM, μM (molar basis)
  • mg/mL (mass/volume basis)
  • % (percentage basis)

Supported volume units

  • L
  • mL
  • μL

Correct use rule

DiluteIt assumes C1 and C2 use the same concentration basis.

✅ Valid examples:

  • M ↔ mM ↔ μM
  • mg/mL ↔ mg/mL
  • % ↔ %

❌ Not valid without extra information:

  • M ↔ mg/mL
  • % ↔ M
  • mg/mL ↔ % (unless convention + density/purity are defined)

If you need cross-basis conversion (for example, molarity to mg/mL), you must use additional data such as:

  • molecular weight (MW)
  • density
  • purity / assay

⚡ Features

  • Universal Solver: Choose any of the 4 variables as the unknown (C1, V1, C2, or V2)
  • Unit-Aware Inputs: Handles common lab concentration and volume units
  • Compatibility Validation: Warns when C1 and C2 use incompatible concentration bases
  • Mobile-First UI: High-contrast layout and large controls for real lab use
  • Bilingual Interface: Spanish / English toggle
  • PWA Ready: Installable on Android/iOS and usable offline after first load
  • Host Cell Design System: Visual consistency with other tools in the suite

🔬 Typical Use Cases

DiluteIt is useful for:

  • preparing working solutions from concentrated stocks
  • serial dilution planning (step-by-step use)
  • quick aliquot calculations at the bench
  • training students on dilution logic
  • reducing manual calculator/transcription errors

🚀 How to Use

  1. Select the unknown variable (C1, V1, C2, or V2)
  2. Enter the other three known values
  3. Choose the corresponding units
  4. Click Solve
  5. Review the result and verify unit compatibility

Example

If you need to prepare a final solution at C2 from a stock C1:

  • Enter C1, C2, V2
  • Set V1 as the unknown
  • DiluteIt returns the required aliquot volume (V1)

📱 Installation (PWA)

DiluteIt can be installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for faster access and offline use.

Android / Desktop (Chrome, Edge)

  • Open the live app
  • Tap/click Install App (if shown)
  • Or use the browser install prompt/menu

iPhone / iPad (Safari)

  • Open the live app
  • Tap Share
  • Select Add to Home Screen

Once installed, the app can work offline after the required files are cached.


❓ FAQ

Q: Does DiluteIt convert molarity to mg/mL automatically? A: No. The dilution equation preserves solute amount, but it does not perform cross-basis chemical conversions. You need MW (and sometimes density/purity) for that.

Q: Can I solve for any variable? A: Yes. DiluteIt is a universal solver for C1, V1, C2, or V2, as long as the other three values are valid.

Q: Does it work offline? A: Yes. After the first successful load (and installation, if desired), the service worker caches the app for offline use.

Q: Is it only for bioprocessing? A: No. It was built within a biotech workflow, but the dilution math is broadly useful for many lab contexts.


⚠️ Notes and Limitations

  • DiluteIt is a calculation aid, not a substitute for SOPs or experimental judgment.

  • Always verify:

    • unit basis compatibility
    • concentration conventions (% w/v, v/v, etc.)
    • stock identity and labeling
    • pipetting feasibility and practical volume limits
  • For critical workflows, follow institutional protocols and lab-specific validation practices.


👨‍🔬 Author

Emiliano Balderas Biotechnology Engineer | PhD Student in Biochemistry Instituto de Biotecnología (IBt) - UNAM


🧩 About Host Cell

Host Cell is a growing suite of practical lab and bioprocess tools focused on:

  • clarity
  • speed
  • reproducibility
  • real-world usability at the bench

DiluteIt is one module in that ecosystem.


Host Cell Lab SuitePractical tools for high-performance biotechnology.

About

🧪 Universal dilution calculator PWA (C1V1 = C2V2) for lab workflows, solution preparation, and biotech applications. Part of the Host Cell Lab Suite.

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