Handyfuge
ABSTRACT
Centrifugation is a crucial step in many diagnostic procedures. But while many open-source designs have been proposed, no design has emerged as a standard for diagnostic use in low-resource settings. We present here an open hardware solution - Handyfuge - that can be assembled with readily available components for the cost of <5 dollars a unit.
BIG QUESTION
“Can we make a modular centrifugation platform which is safe for processing blood and other medical fluids?”
Highest potential velocity:
3270
revolutions per min.
Prototype iterations:
19
units
Functional prototypes:
2
units
What is a Handyfuge?
Handyfuge is a proof-of-concept of a low-cost, modular, safety-first design for hand-powered centrifugation. The prototype costs less than $5 in parts and can be used together with nucleic acid assays.
How does it work? What is the capacity of Handyfuge?
The Handyfuge uses a mechanical strategy similar to the ‘Dyno-torch’ flashlights to generate centrifugal force using kinetic input from the user. The user repeatedly squeezes the handle to spin a small freewheel connected to a centrifuge spindle. The peak velocity of Handyfuge is 3270 rpm, suitable for many sample preparation applications. Compared to our related project, Paperfuge which works with volumes of ~30uL or less, the Handyfuge can be used for larger samples (~1-2mL).
(A) Dismantled hand-crank flashlight similar to a Dyno-torch flash light providing a one-way ratchet mechanism for converting hand-crank input into uni-directional rotation of the associated gears. (B) Three-dimensional Schematic of a Handyfuge
Data
Hall-effect sensor based rotational speed characterization of Handyfuge, demonstrating unidirectional rotation with peak rpm of 3270.
Hall-effect sensor based rotational speed characterization of Handyfuge, demonstrating unidirectional rotation with peak rpm of 3270
Project application
Handyfuge was used for sample preparation in an early COVID-19 diagnostic project within the lab (https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.30.20143255v1).
