Our re-design is based upon the Open PCR system originally designed by Josh Perfetto and Tito Jankowski.
System Design Eight wells were added, this is a good amount to increase sample size significantly yet not too drastic of a change that will affect the machine completely.
The additional wells will also slightly elongate the lid.
Key Features The major change of the PCR machine was that eight extra wells were added to increase the sample size from 16 to 24. With the addition of the extra wells, the machine will be able to run more samples. This also affects the size as the additional wells will cause it to be longer than the original design.
Instructions
The instructions for assembling the PCR machine will mostly stay the same the only difference will be that the additional wells will cause the lid to be longer than the original design.
Protocols
Materials
Supplied in the Kit
Amount
PCR Machine
1
Extra screws
5
CD containing programming application
1
Operations instruction manual
1
10 ft Extension cord
1
Supplied by the User
Amount
Standard sized test tubes
16
DNA Primer
Amounts vary per experiment
DNA Samples
Amounts vary per experiment
Computer
1
Pipettes
16
Sybr Green
Amounts vary per experiment
Refrigerator
1
Power source
N/A
PCR Protocol
Using a pipette, transfer 1.0-1.5 micro liters of the DNA sample into the desired number of test tubes.
Pipette approximately 3 micro liters of reagent solution into each of the test tubes with the DNA.
Invert tubes, then turn upright to mix solution.
Plug in OpenPCR Machine and turn it on.
Open lid and place tubes into holder in PCR machine (the machine can now hold a maximum of 24 test tubes).
Close the lid.
Add the following cycles on the OpenPCR program:
Stage 1: 1 cycle, 95 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes
Stage 2: 30 cycles, 95 degrees for 30 seconds, 57 degrees for 30 seconds, 72 degrees for 30 second
Stage 3: 72 degrees for 3 minutes
Hold: 4 degrees
Run reaction.
After the program is complete, open the lid and remove samples for further analysis.
DNA Measurement Protocol
Collect samples generated from "PCR Protocol".
Using separate pipettes for each individual sample, transfer the 150μL into the larger test tubes containing 400 mL of the buffer solution.
Set up the fluorimeter machinery as instructed, ensuring that the system is devoid of any light, as it may prevent accurate readings. Use a "blank" sample using distilled water to ensure all machinery and processes are in order.
Using the fluorimeter equipment, add two drops of each sample onto the glass plate, followed by two drops of SYBR green. When placing the drops, one should ensure that they are initially spaced out, as they will combine when more substrate is added.
Close the system down, again preventing any light from entering the system. To record the results, a photo will be used to visually measure the presence of a positive or negative result. The fluorimeter set comes with a stand to enable a SmartPhone to be utilized. Individuals will obtain the most accurate results by setting the ISO at 800 and turning off the flash setting.
Using a different pipette for waste products, clear the sample from the glass tray, move the tray forward, and repeat with the next sample. The waste samples can be placed in a separate plastic cup, and eventually disposed of in a biohazard bin.
Repeat this process until all samples have been measured and photographed.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that occurs with loss of brain function. It affects multiple areas of the brain associated with memory, language, personality, perception, and cognitive skills. The disease typically manifests itself through forgetfulness, but gradually progresses to inability to perform basic functions, speak, and recognize family members. Currently, there is no cure. Treatment tries to slow down the disease or at the least, manage symptoms.
An SNP related to Alzheimer's disease is rs1466662 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/SNP/snp_ref.cgi?rs=1466662). It is located on chromosome four, the intron region of NM_001142552.1 and arises from a missense mutation replacing an A with a T. It is the most significant SNP outside of the SNP linked to APOE.
Primer Design
The backwards primer is TAT TTT TAG AAG CGA TAA AA. The forwards primer is GCC TCT TTG CCC TCT GTT TT. An allele not containing the disease will not have the sequence that allows the primers to bind. If the primers cannot bind, then that means Taq polymerase does not know where to bind. If Taq polymerase does not bind, then the sequence does not get replicated. Therefore, there will be no PCR product. Conversely, if the disease allele is present, the primers will bind. Taq polymerase will then be able to bind to the DNA and replicate the strands, creating more double-stranded DNA yielding a PCR product.
Illustration
The wanted gene in the figure above refers to rs1466662.