What do you need to do DIY genetic engineering?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the equipment and techniques necessary for DIY genetic engineering, particularly in the context of creating oil-eating bacteria. Key tools mentioned include Biobricks for standardizing plasmid design and in-fusion assembly for gene assembly. The conversation highlights the accessibility of genetic engineering techniques for hobbyists and students, despite skepticism about their efficacy compared to professional institutions. The mention of genetic engineering kits suggests a growing market for home experimentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plasmid design and assembly techniques
  • Familiarity with Biobricks and their applications
  • Knowledge of in-fusion assembly methods
  • Basic concepts of genetic engineering and microbiology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the availability and specifications of Biobricks for DIY projects
  • Explore genetic engineering kits suitable for home use
  • Learn about in-fusion assembly techniques and their applications
  • Investigate biopunk communities and their contributions to DIY genetic engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyist genetic engineers, students interested in biotechnology, and members of biopunk communities looking to conduct home experiments in genetic engineering.

Warpspeed13
Messages
125
Reaction score
2
I was reading an article about some guys developing a strain of oil eating bacteria on their own. What kind of equipment would someone need to do that? It sounds really cool.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I really, really would like to see this article.
 
It was a while ago and I can't find it again. I'm probably not remembering the article correctly either, sorry. Either way the question still stands.
 
Cool article but I meant what equipment. I don't actually care about oil eating bacteria all that much. How could anyone afford to genetic engineering at home with bacteria and viruses unless they were Bill Gates?
 
There are plenty of biopunk groups that buy (or even build) lab equipment and perform all sorts of simple experiments in their homes. At the moment I'm sceptical that such a movement could produce something positive on the same scale as a professional, well funded research institution but there are technologies out there that are making it cheaper and simpler to design plasmids, build them and transfect bacteria. Biobricks for example is an approach which attempts to standardise plasmid design with a database of modular sequences that can be assembled to produce a gene network. Techniques like in-fusion assembly make it fairly straight forward to assemble these parts together.
 
Cool. Are bio bricks currently available for purchase or are they still in the planning / useless faze?
 
I don't know about "available for purchase" to the general public, but they are definitely real, and capable of being used for projects at high school level. http://2014hs.igem.org/Main_Page
 
AFAIK, people who breed dogs or livestock or horses are all not as wealthy as Bill Gates. Of course, the methods used in this type of genetic engineering doesn't involve (too many) test tubes.
 
  • #10
Google: genetic engineering kit
 

Similar threads

Misc. DIY 'ECG' Machine: Testing Feasibility of Wave Transference
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Misc. How can a DIY test machine enhance student learning in Materials Engineering?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Sticky
Misc. DIY Forum Rules - PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Misc. DIY combo air cleaner/humidifier
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Misc. Warming Barrels of Honey With Light
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Electrical DIY project about electromagnets
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Misc. Custom building a CNC mill for aluminum
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Several questions about genetic engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Auto/Motor Where to best increase car engine oil pressure if intervention is needed?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Engineering What are the best books for learning about analog computing?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K