The LEGO constructor was used to build a device to work with DNA
Engineers have come up with a cheap alternative to expensive research instruments.Bioengineers from Arizona State University have used LEGO constructor to create a gradient mixer. This is a device that is used at one of the stages of work with DNA-origami - a technology for assembling nanostructures with a given shape from DNA molecules.
Creating DNA origami requires purification of the component nanostructures that will make up the finished molecules, the scientists explain. This is usually done by zone centrifugation, which involves the use of a relatively expensive gradient mixer.
Such devices work by spinning material inside horizontal cylindrical tubes. To fill them with material, they are first placed in a vertical position, and after they are filled and capped, the tubes are moved to a horizontal position. The rotation causes the liquid to separate into a gradient.
To make the mixer out of LEGO, engineers started with a base and built a robotic arm on it. It holds and guides a platform to which tubes can be connected. As in the commercial version, when the tubes are filled and closed, the arm y slowly rotates the tubes, stirring the contents. It then moves the tubes to an upright position and rotates them quickly.
Testing showed that the robot could mix and separate the required materials in the same way as commercial gradient mixers. At the same time, the cost of the device is several times less: the entire device includes two motors from a LEGO set, constructor parts and test tube holders printed on a 3D printer. Engineers are confident that this approach can be used to create cheap analogs and other expensive research equipment.