RUG/Pennsylvania/State College/Mullis

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Mendel

Release status: Experimental

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Description
An idea for a cheap PCR Machine that can be easily made from a Prusa Mendel.
License
GPL
Author
Contributors
Based-on
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


Overview

The Mullis (named after Kary Mullis, winner of the Nobel Prize for PCR) is a project of the State College Reprap Users Group. It is an open source, RepRap based PCR machine. The design uses a readily available tray for PCR, which is carried back and forth between two heated containers. It is easily converted from an Open Hybrid Mendel, or a Prusa Mendel (link).

This is a work still in progress, of which there are two versions.

Mullis 1

1. In one (Mullis 1), the print bed is removed, and two smooth rods are added in its place. On these rods rest two heated plates, into which the sample tray fit. Each plate is heated to a different specific temperature, and held constant. The tray is moved back and forth between each plate via the x and z axes.


Parts

Quantity File-Name Comments Diagram
1 Tray Holder A printable version of our PCR tray.

Extra Vitamins Two smooth rods M3 nuts and bolts

Gcode The Gcode necessary is very repetitive. The heading includes homing and temperature set, and after that the tray is moved back and forth.


Mullis 1 Assembled

coming soon

Mullis 2

In Mullis 2, the tray is raised and lowered by a winch system into two separate heated water baths. The tray moves on an extended x axis between the two water baths.

Parts Printed Parts (coming soon)

Extra Vitamins - Two smooth rods, approximately 24 inches in length - Two independently heated, temperature controlled water baths. The baths need to be significantly larger than the tray.


PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a DNA replicationg technique. A DNA sample is set in a solution containing primers and nucleotides (A,T,C,G). The DNA is heated up quickly, so that it denatures (untwists) and then separates. It is then annealed (cooled), allowing the primers to attach to the open halves of the DNA strands. Next, an enzyme (Taq polymerase) extends the strands by allowing complimentary nucleotides to become attached to each open strand of DNA. This results in two separate but identical strands. The process is repeated until millions of copies of the sample are made. (For more on PCR, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCR ).

Normally, PCR machines cost several thousands of dollars. Our goal is to make this technology available open source. All you will need is a RepRap, a PCR tray (which can be printed), and heating.