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Archive from the Spring 2001 semester.
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Problem Statement:
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.
The project team contains four partners:
Team Leader: Gretchen Foltz
Communcations: Marie Meyer
BSAC: Kristy Wood
BWIG: Elan Bomsztyk
The semester has ended and we have completed a basic design for our device. We have selected a valve configuration, type of copper tubing, spray nozzle type, sprayer design. We have also completed the preliminary calculations for the cooling mechanism. Over the summer, the full calculations will be completed and the length of copper wire and size of thermos needed will then be known.
1/26 - Form teams and choose project
2/02 - Meet with client and define problem
2/09 - Develop PDS
2/16 - Brainstorm ideas
2/23 - Continue brainstorming and work on presentations
3/02 - Presentations
3/09 - Decide on final design
3/16 - Spring Break!!!
3/23 - Design details
3/30 - Design details
4/06 - Design details
4/13 - Design details
4/20 - Design details
4/27 - Work on final presentation
5/04 - Final Presentation
Final Design Presentation (zipped PowerPoint, 1 MB)
Old Designs: Sprayer, Immersion, Old Combination Workstation
New Design: Final Design: Combination Sprayer with coiled plumbing
Team Members: Elan Bomsztyk, Gretchen Foltz, Marie Meyer, Kristy Wood
Clients: Dr. Barry Ganetzky, PHD and Young Ho Koh
Advisor: Mitch Tyler, MS
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