Archive from the Fall 2001 semester.
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To design a device which is able to rapidly freeze biological specimens with maximum vitrification, while at the same time preserving the morphology of the mutant samples.
Currently, Professor Barry Ganetzky is involved in research focused on the synaptic connections in Drosophila. In order to obtain improved resolution in the samples, utilizing cyrofixation techniques would be beneficial. The commercial units available for this type of sample preparation are expensive, around $10,000 and up per unit, due to the low demand. The client believes that improving modifications could be made to the conceptual designs of the commercial units and a personalized unit could be built for a fraction of the cost in house. The personalized freezing unit is intended for preparing dissected Drosophila samples. For this purpose delivering the cryogen via a spray mechanism would be beneficial. The pressure and temperature of the delivered secondary cryogen needs to be carefully regulated so that the sample is frozen as quickly as possible while still preserving its morphology. The selection of primary and secondary cryogens will be based on safety concerns and performance qualities.
Currently, we have built a prototype and presented it at a poster presentation. The prototype includes a housing unit, the solenoid valves, a flask, the copper tubing, and the electronic control system. It does not currently measure temperature but it will open and close the solenoid valves upon activation of a switch. Next semester, we hope to have a fully functional prototype tested.
Schedule:
09/07 - Team roles, semester schedule, divide up tasks
09/14 - Design details, dimensions, thermo equations
09/21 - Model of design (not working)
10/05 - Order components for design
10/19 - Presentation
10/19 - Begin building....detailed drawings, ME shop, etc.
10/26 - Continue building
11/02 - Continue building
11/09 - Begin testing
11/16 - Altering prototype and desgin if necessary
11/23 - Thanksgiving
11/30 - Altering prototype and design if necessary
12/07 - Properly functioning device with finished user/safety manual
12/14 - Final presentation
**Continuously work on paper/presentation and user/safety manual.**
FALL 2001
Papers:
Presentation:
Design Drawings:
Photographs:
PDS:
SPRING 2001
Papers:
Drawings:
For further information, click on the appropriate link below to send that individual an email.
Team Members:
Marie practicing for Dentist School
Clients: Dr. Barry Ganetzky, PHD and Young Ho Koh
Advisor: Mitch Tyler, MS
