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 any Mendel Derivative.

This is a work still in progress, which is being updated frequently.

Mullis v. 1

The Mullis v.1 is designed to be built from the Open Hybrid Mendel (OHM) with as little modification as possible. It uses a combination of the open x carriage and the y axis motor assembly. The PCR 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

Sub-System Quantity File-Name Comments Complete File link
X Carriage 1 Carriage Base 0/1
1 X Angled Arm 0/1
2 Undercarriage Bracket 0/2
Extruder 1 Herringbone Drive Gear 0/1
1 Herringbone Driven Gear 0/1
1 Bearing and Motor Bracket 0/1
1 Extruder Idler 0/1
Frame 4 Vertices 2/6
4 Y Bar Clamp 0/8
1 Y Motor Bracket 0/1
1 Y Idler Bracket 0/1

Extra Vitamins - Two smooth rods, approximately 36 inches in length - One tall laboratory stand to mount the axis well above the water baths. - 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.