Re: [DIYbio] New Home BioLab Advice

Many, many years ago, I was a chemistry major, but never pursued the sciences professionally. Recently, I have been availing myself of some amazing online courses, including excellent biology courses from MIT on Edx. (I just finished a great class on DNA Replication and Repair and looking forward to one on Transcription and Transposition.) Those classes have inspired me to start my own home lab for me and my kids. I have the basics: miniPCR, electrophoresis chamber, transilluminator, centrifuge, pipettes, scales, heat, cold, glassware etc. I have been focused on "Hello World" applications: Forensic Kits, GMO testing of foods, bar-coding, etc.

I am now interested in cranking it up a level. I have been reading through Molecular Biology Techniques (http://www.amazon.com/Molecular-Biology-Techniques-Third-Laboratory/dp/0123855446/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445102583&sr=8-1&keywords=molecular+biology+techniques) and would now like to attempt some of the experiments and assays described in that book. (I have been emailing Josiah Zayner, who has begun helping me out. Thanks Josiah!)

I've been reading a fair amount about the need to quantify DNA for various assays. I keep hearing about 260/280 UV Spectroscopy suggesting the Nanodrop (and recently the DeNovix DS-11). Sadly, even used, the Nanodrop is a $5,000 piece of equipment. How do diybio labs quantify DNA? If so, what are the DIYbio solutions?

I have a miniPCR, which works great for me. Related to the first question, I've been reading about the new openqPCR device. Any thoughts or experiences with it? I may be mixing apples and oranges, but might it be used not only as a qPCR, but also to quantify DNA? I guess it probably still wouldn't be able to validate purity.

I would like to get an autoclave. Once again, I am looking for a reasonable solution. I've seen the nice laboratory autoclaves on the one hand and the pressure-cooker "crock pots" on the other. Not sure how well the later perform. Is this an area to spend the extra dollars?

I am excited to be a part of the diybio movement and have read quite a few posts posted in this community.

Thanks very much in advance for any help or ideas.

Bryan Daniels

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