Archive from the Spring 2002 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. This summer we plan to deliver a fully functional prototype to our client.
Schedule:
01/25 - Invention disclosure for Schoofs, timeline for the semester
02/01 - Schoofs poster done, work on power pt. presentation
02/08 - Finish power pt. presentation, fine tune prototype
02/11 - Schoofs Presentation
02/15 - Start work on patent process, thermocouple calibration, pressure calculations
02/22 - Keep working on technical stuff
03/01 - Order printed circuit board
03/08 - Prototype assembled, start testing, Outreach sometime this week
03/15 - Mid-semester Presentation
03/22 - Prototype testing
03/29 - Prototype testing
04/05 - Start testing with fruit flies
04/12 - Testing with fruit flies
04/19 - Testing with fruit flies
04/26 - Testing with fruit flies
05/03 - Finishing touches on device
05/10 - Finished product!!!
**Continuously work on paper/presentation and user/safety manual.**
SPRING 2002
Presentation:
Papers
Design Drawings:
Photographs:
PDS:
FALL 2001
Link to Fall 2001 Website
SPRING 2001
Link to Spring 2001 Website
For further information, click on the appropriate link below to send that individual an email.
Team Members:
Clients: Dr. Barry Ganetzky, PHD and Young Ho Koh
Advisor: Mitch Tyler, MS
