The objective of this project is to develop a low-cost, automated protein purification device with sensing capabilities for use in university laboratories.
Sponsored by: PSU Hancock Lab
Team Members
Bradley Scanlon Arantza Ruiz Aguirre Federica Parravicini Maria Dobransky Madilyn Riegel Ryan Sweny Sasha Walls
Instructor: Dr. Scott Medina
Project Poster
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
The process of protein purification occurs when one protein is isolated from a complex mixture through chromatography. This enables the structural and functional investigation of specific proteins. Many labs at Penn State, specifically the Hancock Lab in the Biomedical Engineering department, utilize protein purification to separate proteins for study and use in other experiments. Current technology is successful but expensive and laborious, requiring a high level of expertise. This caters more toward large-scale industry labs, so the team was tasked with creating a simple device for university lab use.
Objectives
– Create a low-cost device for efficiently purifying target proteins in a laboratory setting
– Make the device reproducible with simple 3D printed pieces and electronics
– Increase automation for ease of use and hands-off lab work
– Increase sensing to better characterize proteins without hands-on sensing
Approach
– Search literature to better understand protein purification, sensor integration, and Arduino code
– Gather needs from sponsor and similar labs within BME
– Update device that was crafted from literature through previous capstone project
– Create CAD models to manufacture device accessibly via 3D printing up to desired dimensions and style
– Build prototype using ordered and manufactured materials
– Create conductivity sensor using platinum wires and plastic tubing to measure buffer conductivity
– Create light sensor via LED and photodiode to measure light absorbance of proteins
– Test and calibrate both sensors
– Run entire device with both sensors using buffers and protein from the Hancock Lab to gather results
Outcomes
– This project developed a device that can purify desired proteins using only Arduino code and simple 3D printed parts.
– The sponsor will save hours of time in the lab, as graduate students can now run our device instead of manually completing the purification process. This will increase personnel efficiency.
– The sponsor will save money, both on labor and materials, as our project is low-cost.
– The sensors increase characterization of proteins in real time, when they previously were tested after purification.
– This project allows for a formerly manual process to be run automatically, introducing a new approach to a common research technique.