The quest for the $500 home molecular biology laboratory
By John Brunstein, PhD
………. I recently set out on a quest to see whether a non-specialist, $500 complete molecular biology laboratory was possible. ……..
The challenge I set for myself had a number of criteria:
- That a $500 capital equipment budget not be exceeded (Reagents and consumables were not expected to be included in this budget.)
- That there be little or no requirement to build or adapt devices-i.e., that standard lab equipment be used wherever possible within budget constraints (things like being able to get pipette tips and other equipment)
- That the final lab have the ability to run multiple sample types for a range of assays, with sensitivity and speed generally comparable to a “real” academic lab
- That reagents and supplies used be safe for home use
- That all equipment and reagents be obtained through channels available to the average person on the street-that is, I couldn’t make use of contacts in the field by calling them up and scavenging old bits of labware from under their sinks, instead I’d have to purchase the equipment in physical stores or online stores similar to SciQuip as an example.