Re: [DIYbio] Protein Purification

The CU-Boulder iGEM 2013 team focused on developing diy methods for molecular biology. miniprep column regeneration, gel electrophoresis band extraction, Taq cloning, and three methods for protein purification. One of these latter methods is based on adding a specific repeat motif to your protein of interest that will cause it to precipitate in the presence of calcium. Not sure if the motif effs up the activity of the protein (very possible), but it's an interesting start.

http://2013.igem.org/Team:CU-Boulder/Project/Kit/Purification

Mac

On Sun, Oct 13, 2013 at 5:21 PM, Cathal Garvey <cathal...@cathalgarvey.me> wrote:

Hey Michael! Glad you enjoyed the podcast. :)

I'm still working on it, and if everything goes well and I'm lucky, I
ought to have something soon. Indeed, if it works, my next round of
gene synthesis will be to order a set of enzymes for easy purification,
to sell as kits at a reasonable price, with full "sourcecode" included
and no nonsense like Patents!

Right now, we're stuck with only one or two proteins commonly purified
DIY; thermostable polymerases. That's because they can be prepared by
freezing and boiling cell samples, and using the clear liquid after
filtering or sedimenting cell matter. It's nice that polymerases are
that easy, but we're lagging everywhere else, because purification
systems either suck (expense, difficulty, secret-sauce) or are patented
to the hilt. Hopefully I can change that, soon.

As far as Sydney labspace, I'm not sure! Hopefully someone here will
chip in?

Feel free to call on me for a tour of my very small lab if you're ever
in Cork. ;)

On Sun, 13 Oct 2013 02:31:57 -0700 (PDT)
Michael Brown <c210...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hello,
>         I've only just become aware of DIYBio, and have recently
> completed listening to a Podcast; SynBioBeta Podcast #4: DIYBio.  In
> it, an individual from Cork named Cathal Garvey was trying to make a
> recombinant protein purification system within the reach of a
> layperson.  I wish to enquire as to his progress, and would also like
> to know about the Hackerspace in sydney, as I am an unemployed
> biotechnologist looking to utilise some lab space as a Hobby.
>