Difference between revisions of "Team:Lambert GA/Hardware"

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<h1>Hardware</h1>
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<h1>The ElectroPen</h1>
  
 
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<h3>Best Hardware Special Prize</h3>
 
 
<p> One of the most important processes within synthetic biology involves the introduction of small molecules through cell membranes, with the most prevalent being bacterial transformations. This process is routinely conducted using chemical means where washing of cells with numerous chemical mixtures allows for the creation of pores in the membrane. Another method commonly utilized is known as electroporation, where high-voltage pulses are delivered to cells resulting in temporary pore formation allowing the small molecules to enter. Electroporation is often favored due to its increased transformation efficiencies, faster protocols, and less materials necessary in preparing the competent cells, however, a major inhibitory factor persists due to the need for electroporators. These devices cost thousands of dollars, require electricity, and are difficult to transport, preventing their incorporation in many labs across the world, in high schools, and in field biology. With inspiration from frugal science inventions such as the Foldscope and PaperFuge, we set out to develop an electroporator that address each of these obstacles. We present the ElectroPen™, a novel 20-cent electroporator built using the underlying principles of a common household lighter that weighs only 13g, can be fabricated using everyday materials, and requires no access to electricity.  
 
<p> One of the most important processes within synthetic biology involves the introduction of small molecules through cell membranes, with the most prevalent being bacterial transformations. This process is routinely conducted using chemical means where washing of cells with numerous chemical mixtures allows for the creation of pores in the membrane. Another method commonly utilized is known as electroporation, where high-voltage pulses are delivered to cells resulting in temporary pore formation allowing the small molecules to enter. Electroporation is often favored due to its increased transformation efficiencies, faster protocols, and less materials necessary in preparing the competent cells, however, a major inhibitory factor persists due to the need for electroporators. These devices cost thousands of dollars, require electricity, and are difficult to transport, preventing their incorporation in many labs across the world, in high schools, and in field biology. With inspiration from frugal science inventions such as the Foldscope and PaperFuge, we set out to develop an electroporator that address each of these obstacles. We present the ElectroPen™, a novel 20-cent electroporator built using the underlying principles of a common household lighter that weighs only 13g, can be fabricated using everyday materials, and requires no access to electricity.  
</p>
 
  
<p>
 
Teams who are interested in working with hardware as a side project are encouraged to apply for the hardware award.
 
  
<br><br>
 
To compete for the <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Judging/Awards">Best Hardware prize</a>, please describe your work on this page and also fill out the description on the <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Judging/Judging_Form">judging form</a>.
 
<br><br>
 
You must also delete the message box on the top of this page to be eligible for this prize.
 
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<h3>Inspiration</h3>
 
<p>You can look at what other teams did to get some inspiration! <br />
 
Here are a few examples:</p>
 
<ul>
 
<li><a href="https://2016.igem.org/Team:Valencia_UPV">2016 Valencia UPV</a></li>
 
<li><a href="https://2016.igem.org/Team:Aachen">2016 Aachen </a></li>
 
<li><a href="https://2015.igem.org/Team:TU_Delft">2015 TU Delft  </a></li>
 
<li><a href="https://2015.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt">2015 TU Darmstadt</a></li>
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
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Revision as of 02:26, 17 October 2018

H A R D W A R E



































The ElectroPen

One of the most important processes within synthetic biology involves the introduction of small molecules through cell membranes, with the most prevalent being bacterial transformations. This process is routinely conducted using chemical means where washing of cells with numerous chemical mixtures allows for the creation of pores in the membrane. Another method commonly utilized is known as electroporation, where high-voltage pulses are delivered to cells resulting in temporary pore formation allowing the small molecules to enter. Electroporation is often favored due to its increased transformation efficiencies, faster protocols, and less materials necessary in preparing the competent cells, however, a major inhibitory factor persists due to the need for electroporators. These devices cost thousands of dollars, require electricity, and are difficult to transport, preventing their incorporation in many labs across the world, in high schools, and in field biology. With inspiration from frugal science inventions such as the Foldscope and PaperFuge, we set out to develop an electroporator that address each of these obstacles. We present the ElectroPen™, a novel 20-cent electroporator built using the underlying principles of a common household lighter that weighs only 13g, can be fabricated using everyday materials, and requires no access to electricity.