LavaAmp: miniPCR

LavaAmp is a thermocycler (aka PCR machine) that promises to bring PCR to the masses. The aim is to have it available by 1Q 2011 for about $400. This post at Synthesis.cc has more details on the engineering:

We continue to refine the hardware design of the LavaAmp, and it looks like we have the production hardware down to 5 or 6 components, 4 of which are injection molded plastic. The labor will only be in assembly of the final box, as all sub-assemblies should all come off automated fab lines of one kind or another. All the real cost is in the design and tooling — once we get up and running the per unit costs should be quite reasonable.

Update on OpenPCR: This similar effort is making progress as well. Their funding round was wildly successful, generating 202% of their goal!

The relatively recent expiration of several PCR patents help make these projects possible (OpenPCR writes about this). The democratization of this technology is important, as Guido from LavaAmp describes (via):

(Español)

What is also needed is a cheap source of reagents and supplies for molecular biology. A PCR machine isn’t much use if you can’t afford polymerase. Molecular biology labs blow most of their budgets on consumables, not equipment. This isn’t a criticism of the LavaAmp and OpenPCR projects, which are very important. I hope they catalyze a renewed, broader effort to democratize biotech.