PS-PCR : The Paris-Saclay Open Source PCR thermal cycler

Description

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a very useful procedure in the field of synthetic biology. However, this technique requires a device called a thermal cycler, which is designed to cycle the samples through different temperature steps. Commercial PCR thermal cyclers are traditionally very expensive, with prices starting at $2000, which makes them hard to afford for small labs and DIY projects.

This project aims at creating a thermal cycler for under 30€ with easily accessible parts.

Our first prototype

It works !

Scaling and distribution opportunities

TODO

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cyprien and Pierre-Yves for their help with calibration, machining and software. Thanks to the people from the [http://electrolab.fr Electrolab] hackerspace.

PS-PCR design at the Electrolab, with a former iGEM-er (look at his tee-shirt)