A programmable $25 thermal cycler for PCR

Betsch, David F.; Blais, Brian S.

doi:10.1002/bmb.2003.494031020190

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Taking into account the previous results presented in this work, we demonstrate that this coffee ring biosensor is highly effective in concentrating proteins for signal amplification, which offers substantially enhanced signal intensity. When combined with a sensitive aptamer-sensing scheme, this platform provides a simple low-cost ,, method for biomolecular detection, which offers several main advantages over conventional laboratory-based assays that often require costly equipment and labor-intensive processes for sample amplification and high-sensitivity measurements.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coffee Ring Aptasensor for Rapid Protein Detection

2013

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We introduce a new biosensing platform for rapid protein detection that combines one of the simplest methods for biomolecular concentration, coffee ring formation, with a sensitive aptamer-based optical detection scheme. In this approach, aptamer beacons are utilized for signal transduction where a fluorescence signal is emitted in the presence of the target molecule. Signal amplification is achieved by concentrating aptamer-target complexes within liquid droplets, resulting in the formation of coffee ring “spots”. Surfaces with various chemical coatings were utilized to investigate the correlation between surface hydrophobicity, concentration efficiency and signal amplification. Based on our results, we found that the increase in coffee ring diameter with larger droplet volumes is independent of surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, we show that highly hydrophobic surfaces produce enhanced particle concentration, via coffee ring formation, resulting in signal intensities 6-fold greater than those on hydrophilic surfaces. To validate this biosensing platform for the detection of clinical samples, we detected α-thrombin in human serum and 4x diluted whole blood. Based on our results, coffee ring spots produced detection signals 40x larger than samples in liquid droplets. Additionally, this biosensor exhibits a lower limit of detection of 2 ng/mL (54 pM) in serum, and 4 ng/mL (105 pM) in blood. Based on its simplicity and high performance, this platform demonstrates immense potential as an inexpensive diagnostic tool for the detection of disease biomarkers, particularly for use in developing countries that lack the resources and facilities required for conventional biodetection practices.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coffee Ring Aptasensor for Rapid Protein Detection

2013

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“…The materials required for DNA isolation and PCR amplification are readily available as kits from standard biochemical suppliers. The thermocycler required for PCR may either be found in a biology department or can be built for $25 (9). To further enhance students' understanding of the issues surrounding genetically modified foods, students can complete a case study that explores the concerns about genetically modified foods (10).…”

Section: Experimental Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Testing for Genetically Modified Foods Using PCR

Taylor

Sajan

2005

J. Chem. Educ.

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The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful technique used to detect and amplify a specific DNA sequence. In this experiment, DNA is isolated from commercially available corn meal and corn-muffin mixes, then a sequence unique to transgenic plants is amplified by PCR. The amplified sequence is identified by its size (192 base pairs) by agarose gel electrophoresis. This experiment could be used in either a biochemistry course or in an analytical chemistry course in a curriculum that integrates biochemistry throughout the course work.

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A programmable $25 thermal cycler for PCR

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Coffee Ring Aptasensor for Rapid Protein Detection

Coffee Ring Aptasensor for Rapid Protein Detection

Testing for Genetically Modified Foods Using PCR

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