Abstract:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an important technique in molecular biological
studies, but residual ethanol in DNA samples can interfere with its efficiency and yield.
As a result of the inhibitory effect of ethanol on Taq polymerase, secondary structures
can form in the DNA template that interferes with primer binding and extension.
To address this issue, this portable mini air flow cabinet (15 cm×8 cm×15 cm) was
developed to dry the remaining ethanol traces rapidly. Cost of production for this tool
was around 500 LKR. Under room temperature, it takes 30 to 45 minutes to evaporate
the remaining (15-20 μl) ethanol in the final extraction. Scientists utilize methods such
as vacuum-drying and oven-drying to speed the drying process. This apparatus uses an
electrically operated fan (12 V/4500 rpm) to generate an airflow that dries the remaining
ethanol from the DNA pellets. This tool takes 2.27 (±0.03) minutes to evaporate 1μl
ethanol and without this tool it takes 5.32 (±0.03) minutes to evaporate the same
amount of ethanol in an open room (25◦C, 79% Relative humidity). Overall use of this
tool has significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the ethanol evaporating time compared to
without tool ethanol evaporating in an open room. (25◦C, 79% Relative humidity). The
tube holding base plate is built to give a slight tilt to the tubes at the horizontal axis,
ensuring that the ethanol moves downward along the tube wall, leading to a thin spread
and faster drying. The mini airflow cabinet has the capacity to dry 12 microcentrifuge
tubes of 1.5 ml in a single run. This innovative tool requires little maintenance and very
easy to use, making it a perfect choice for laboratories and research facilities of all sizes
due to its simplicity and ease of use.
