Design an open source PCR machine that anyone can build. We'll use off the shelf parts to make a design that is easy to build and maintain.
Wow! Thank you for your overwhelming interest in OpenPCR -- together we reached $6,000 in 10 days! We're really happy that there's such an interest in making this happen.
Now that we've surpassed our minimum goal, additional funds will allow us to make OpenPCR even better (see our update for the details). -- Tito and Josh
Do you want to explore your own genome, hack together DNA code, build your own biofuel, or prove that the trees in your backyard really are Truffula trees? You'll need a PCR machine, one of the cornerstones of molecular biology, which costs $4,000 up to $10,000. How are the Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or Andy Warhol of biotech going to get their start if the simplest biotech tools cost so much?
In 1983, Kary Mullis first developed PCR, for which he later received a Nobel Prize. But the tool is still expensive, even though the technology is almost 30 years old. If computing grew at the same pace, we would all still be paying $2,000+ for a 1 MHz Apple II computer. Innovation in biotech needs a kick start!
We want to make an OpenPCR machine capable of copying DNA. We plan to make open source designs and kits so anyone can do PCR at their desktop, garage, hackerspace, or community lab for $400 or less.
Our plan: We've got an initial prototype which just blinked to life in the past few weeks. The final machine will be Arduino controlled, with 16 reaction wells, a heated lid, a ramp rate of 2 C/s, and can tweet or text you when it's done! With your support, the OpenPCR machine will be available in 3 months. The money will go towards R&D, third party testing, and optimization. We will release the open source design documents, software, parts list, kits, and instructions for you to make your own OpenPCR.
Who we are: Tito and Josh are biohackers from California. We're a part of the growing DIYbio and garage biotech movement. Tito was on the team that designed the Open Gel Box and a judge at the 2009 MIT iGEM Competition, and Josh previously engineered synthetic microbes for the photosynthetic production of biofuels.
We believe in making tools for biotechnology more accessible.
FAQ
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158
Backers
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Funding period
Jun 8, 2010 -
Jul 23, 2010
- 2 created · 2 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: openpcr.org
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1 backer
Sponsor OpenPCR! We'll add you to the Sponsors list on our website (openpcr.org)
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23 backers
OpenPCR stickers -- "I kickstarted OpenPCR!"
Pledge $16 or more
22 backers
A DNA origami model printed on colorful card stock - Plus stickers!
Pledge $32 or more
54 backers
Early bird access -- get behind the scenes months before anyone else, with access to photos, design documents, and software for the OpenPCR project. (All supporters above this level get early access as well)
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27 backers
Your name laser etched on the whole first round of OpenPCR kits!
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3 backers
A beautiful photo of "TV Ant Farm" by bioartist Marnia Johnston: http://tinyurl.com/marnia-bioart (Plus, your name etched on the whole first round of OpenPCR kits - all supporters above this level receive this as well)
Pledge $256 or more
0 backers
Your choice of 3D printed Radiolarian Protozoan -- http://bit.ly/doI1VO (4 inch diameter!!) or a 3D printed E. Coli model with flagella! -- http://bit.ly/9Ec5Dp (1 foot long!!)
Pledge $512 or more
12 backers
OpenPCR Kit - ALL the parts to build your own OpenPCR machine. We can send the kit to you or donate it to a needy researcher in your name!
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0 backers
A beautiful DNA Lego model design by Dr. Dawei Lin, inscribed with you name and "I funded OpenPCR". Image: http://tinyurl.com/dawei-dna-openpcr
Pledge $1,024 or more
1 backer
OpenPCR Founder: We build an OpenPCR with an image of your choosing etched onto the side -- for you or to be donated to a needy researcher in your name!
