title: Open source and DIY hardware for DNA nanotechnology labs.
abstract: A set of instruments and specialized equipment is necessary to equip a laboratory to work with DNA. Reducing the barrier to entry for DNA manipulation should enable and encourage new labs to enter the field. We present three examples of open source/DIY technology with significantly reduced costs relative to commercial equipment. This includes a gel scanner, a horizontal PAGE gel mold, and a homogenizer for generating DNA-coated particles. The overall cost savings obtained by using open source/DIY equipment was between 50 and 90%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.
authors.forename: Tulsi R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Damase
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Allen
keywords: DNA; DNA nanotechnology; open source; open source scientific hardware