Personal DNA replication machine
Today DNA segment replication is mainly used by molecular biology’s scientists. It has also found usage mostly in laboratory diagnostics for identifying various infectious agents or variants of genes that cause diseases. Most commonly used method for DNA replication is PCR that is based on cyclic temperature changing of reaction mixture. At first 96C is required for separating DNA chains. Afterwards 55-60C is required for tying short DNA segments to one-chain DNA. In case of DNA polymerase new DNA synthesis is started at 72C.
Thermocyclers are used for such kind of procedure. They allow to fit 96 to 384 PCR reactions. These machines cost around 10 000 EUR. Our idea is to develop a personal PCR machine, which means less reactions and less energy (e.g. usable on batteries). Estimate for such machine’s cost is around 500 EUR. In this case the machine could be used at doctors office or even by some person himself. The device could be also used in schools biology classes. Machine would consist of two areas with different temperatures. PCR reaction mixture is moved between these two areas..
Knowledge needed to team: mechatronics specialists
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