Mini DNA replicator costs $10

If we had a dime for every time we've been lounging around the HQ, thinking to ourselves about how much easier life would be with a DNA replicator of our very own, we could probably afford one of these $10 DIY versions. Some researchers at Texas A&M University have applied lava lamp-esque convection flow technology to the previously complicated, large and expensive field of DNA replication, with this pocket-sized replicator. The unit costs $10 to make and has no moving parts. To generate billions of identical DNA copies, it runs "polymerase chain reactions" by treating DNA at three different temperatures, running DNA-filled fluid through a tube wrapped around three metal rods heated to the different necessary temperatures. Doesn't sound too exciting when you put it that way, but the device should pave the way for DNA and RNA tests for HIV levels or tuberculosis diagnosis in developing countries.

[Via Digg]

[John @ May 4th 2007 10:02AM]

Don't leave that thing lying around in Boston.

[joseph @ May 7th 2007 1:49PM]

this is either a reference to the viral marketing campaign of cartoon network...or making a statement that bostonian DNA is inferior....
Im going to allow it.

[Arash @ May 4th 2007 10:25AM]

The yeild of a PCR reaction coming from a device of that size, particularly without refridgerating the samples promptly after the ~30 cycles have been run, is going to be very low. Its a cute concept, but there is not adequate control over the environment to make it feasible.

I can replicate the same device with a match, spooon, mineral oil, ice cube and thermometer. There, i've designed a $1 PCR machine, but its not going to be very good.

[kerry @ May 4th 2007 10:35AM]

@Arash -
If one of the tubes can be held at 4°C then you could have a "hold" cycle like you would on any PCR machine. Oh, and the earliest PCR "machines" really were just a tech with three water baths and a timer. My boss used to do it that way in college. Worked just fine.
This may not seem very exciting to most people, but when you do this stuff for a living it's very cool to see how cheap the technology has become.
Oh, and does polymerase chain reaction really need quotes? It's not some magic pseudoscience word, it's the standard process by which DNA is replicated.

[Arash @ May 4th 2007 11:15AM]

Kerry,

Thanks for the reply bud! I'm not sure that device could lower temp to 4°C. You could always toss the entire device into an icebath... we could add salt to make sure that the water could conduct electricity as well :-)

Plus, its all about yeild. a good tech with a $4k Machine will do a better job than a good tech with a $10 machine.

[Rick Person @ May 4th 2007 12:27PM]

What the hell are you talking about? Three cups of water at 3 different temperatures works and I'm sure it would cost less than $1.

[Arash @ May 4th 2007 1:46PM]

Rick,

You still need a thermometer, which at minimum is a buck. The more controlled the environment, the higher the yeild, so a machine is always better than cups.

[g-vance @ May 4th 2007 10:29AM]

Direct link:
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn11763&feedId=online-news_rss20

I hate playing follow the links...

[Pat @ May 4th 2007 11:15AM]

Unfortunately, all aspects of PCR technology are protected under heavy patents, and it would be awfully difficult to implement something like this commercially without infringing on them.

[Been there Done that @ May 4th 2007 11:30AM]

The thermocycler might cost $10 to make but, the license to do "PCR" (yes, in quotations) is a whole lot more.

[Tito @ May 4th 2007 11:22AM]

It's no secret that the $6000+ PCR machine is very highly marked up. The components inside probably represent a fraction of the actual cost of the machine. The majority of the cost goes to future R&D (and shareholders...).

Also, yes, it's 10$ a machine. But you need to add the actual reagents (enzymes, nucleotides, primers) which aren't cheap.

Still, I'm going to talk to my PI about getting us a few of this for the lab... ;)

[David Grant @ May 4th 2007 12:02PM]

My experience suggests that there is no need for the 4 degree holding step. DNA is pretty stable at RT, especially after many ~100 degree steps to kill any possibly contaminating nucleases.

I did PCR using water baths for a quite a while until thermocyclers were released commercially. Worked just fine.

[Rob @ May 4th 2007 12:53PM]

This worries me that a small $10 nuclear bomb is coming next!

[Jerry Jones @ May 4th 2007 12:54PM]

Gig 'em!
@Tito... "Still, I'm going to talk to my PI "
You've got a private investigator? Waycool!

[Demonic Chicken @ May 4th 2007 1:08PM]

Reagents arent cheap either, where are you going to get taq polymerase for under $10?


100 ul ~ $50

[Rick Person @ May 4th 2007 3:16PM]

Not really...I'd undoubtedly be able to amplify DNA with three cups of water (tap nearby), the DNA+mix and my finger. It may not be as specific as I'd like it but PCR is VERY robust if you're using the right enzyme.

[Waruwaru @ May 4th 2007 3:11PM]

"DNA-filled fluid"? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

[Brookespeed @ May 4th 2007 3:33PM]

Quit reading the internets and get back to work!
-your PI

[fubar @ May 4th 2007 5:19PM]

Brookespeed--you forgot to add the standard:

"The harder you work, the faster I get tenure!"

[Been there Done that @ May 5th 2007 12:20PM]

My 1st expierence with PCR was using a thermocycler from Precsion Scientific. You hooked it up to the tap water. Uh, what did Precsion also make? Water baths. There you go - 3 cups of water. Isn't anyone going to mention the Kary Mullis urban legend on how,when, and where PCR came to him?

[Bee Hatch @ May 5th 2007 8:11PM]

For $10 in electronics you can make a vibrator that gives you orgasms at home or on the go!

[TNP @ May 17th 2007 8:55PM]

Perfect for that on-the-go, frame-an-innocent-person crooked cop.

Seriously, dumping the DNA of a small-time looser or the guy who stole your high-school sweetheart at the crime scene is hella lot easier than faking fingerprints.