Arduino PCR (thermal cycler) for under $85

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This tutorial will show you how to make a thermal cycler from scratch for about $85. In short, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplifies bits of DNA, creating millions of copies of a target sequence. You can use it to test a DNA sample for a specific gene, for instance, to check for genetic modification in food and for hereditary gene testing.

During PCR, a mixture of DNA, primer and DNA polymerase is cycled between three different temperature settings, over and over again. This project uses an arduino to control two high-power resistors to heat up the sample, a computer fan to cool down, and a thermocouple to keep track of the temperature. The design supports two samples at a time, though it could probably be extended to support more.

The parts are all off-the shelf, and the assembly should take a few hours. You will need access to a shop (at the very least a ban saw and drill press).

This project is still a work in progress by Stacey Kuznetsov (stace@cmu.edu) and Matt Mancuso (mcmancuso@gmail.com). Please email us if you have any questions or feedback! Also, huge thanks to Rich Pell, James Lata and the ATX Hackerspace for materials & feedback.

Step 1: More on PCR

Arduino PCR (thermal cycler) for under $85

To run PCR, you need DNA, primers that match the sequence you’re trying to replicate and polymerase.

PCR consists of 3 steps that are cycled over and over again:

Denaturation (~94C) At this step, DNA ‘breaks apart’, splitting from a double helix into single strands
Annealing (~60C) Primers bond to the single-stranded DNA
Extension (~72C) Polymerase compliments the DNA, synthesizing strands that are of the target sequence

Each of these phases can be 20-30 seconds long and repeated 30+ times, depending on the protocol. Most protocols also suggest having a longer initial denaturation step and a longer final extension step.

A simple tutorial:
http://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/pcr.html

There’s also a bunch of related resources here: http://www.lab-manual.com/lm_209.htm

The results of PCR can be visualized using gel electrophoresis. DNA samples are loaded into a gel, and a high voltage is applied across it. Because DNA is negatively charged, it will travel through the gel at different speeds depending on its size. This process will effectively separate out the pieces you want, and you can see them by staining the gel. Here’s a good tutorial and if you’re trying to DIY it, the Macgyver Project is a pretty good resource.

PCR can be performed using 3 water baths (each kept at one of the three temperature settings). A human could physically move the samples from one bath to the next 30+ times. PCR machines were developed to automate the process, but most lab-quality ones cost thousands of dollars. But they don’t need to! Today there is a growing number of open source PCR projects, among them OpenPCR (600$), LavaAmp ($200), and the Coffee Cup PCR (350$).

Step 2: Materials

Here’s what you need:

2 Wiremound resistors, 150 ohms/50 Watts each (10$ total)
Arctic Silver Thermal Epoxy (14$)
Solid state relay, such as 25A AC/DC SSR ($8.50)
Aluminum block, final dimensions ~64mm x 64mm x 26mm. check ebay (free – $5)
Arduino board, we used the mini ($20)
MAX31855 breakout (I used this one for $11, but the Adafruit one might be more reliable for $17.50)
Thermocouple wire ($10)
60mm fan ($4)
12V transistor (TIP120 should be fine, $0.70)
12DC, 0.5A power supply ($1)
Regular power cable
Plywood (if you want to make a case)
A few different length bolts and nuts (if you’re making the case) we used 6×1″ and 2×2″ #6 bolts w matching nuts

You’ll also be using:
Some wires
Breadboard (small one)
Wire cutters/strippers
Electric tape
Soldering iron/solder
Screw driver
Bansaw & drill press
Laser cutter (if you want to make a case)
Wood glue (if you want to make a case)

Step 3: The aluminum block

We chose aluminum to house our samples because it’s a really good thermal conductor and also relatively easy to acquire and work with. We machined the center of the block so that the resistors can fit in to ‘sandwich’ the samples. The outside of the block is cut like a heatsink to allow for faster cool-down.

The images below have our rough dimensions (in mm). Matt was really precise cutting it, but I don’t think it has to be super exact.

Step 4: The circuit overview

The circuit consists of 1) a solid state relay that drives the heater resistors; 2) a fan, powered by the 12 DC supply and controlled by the arduino through an NPN transistor; and 3) a thermocouple with a MAX31855 breakout

When hooking up the electronics for the first time, I suggest breadboard, not solder. If you end up making a case, you’ll have to disconnect and re-connect a few things to make them fit!

Step 5: The circuit- resistors

Split and strip the the power adapter as shown in the first image. Hook up the resistors as follows:

Black wire -> pin 1 (AC pin) on the relay
White wire-> one of the resistors. Connect the second resistor in series. Connect the second resistors to pin 2 (AC pin) on the relay.

Connect arduino to the relay
Arduino pin 7 -> pin 3 (+DC pin) on the relay
Arduino GND -> pin 4 (-DC pin) on the relay

Cover all connections w electrical tape!!!

—- some math —
With 2 150ohm resistors in series, the total resistance should be 300 ohms. So with the U.S. outlet voltage being 120V, the current should be 0.4Amps, which makes the wattage 48Watts. The resistors are rated for 50 Watts, so this should be OK, but please double check the math, especially if your outlet runs on 230V (you’ll need different resistors with higher Wattage).

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About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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