Grant Fox is a PhD candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, specializing in genetics and neuroscience. With a keen focus on the complex interplay between aging and disease, he leverages cutting-edge Oxford Nanopore Technologies Long-Read Sequencing to uncover the molecular mysteries of aging. Grant is committed to advancing the fields of neuroscience, genomics, and molecular biology, driven by a passion to contribute to groundbreaking research with the goal of improving human health.
Bootcamp 1.0 project - XTract is positioned to transform the field of molecular biology by introducing an innovative DNA/RNA extraction machine designed to streamline and importantly standardize the extraction process. This compact, bench-top device is engineered to integrate with a variety of commercially available extraction kits, offering versatility and adaptability to researchers working with different sample types and protocols. The machine's primary goal is to eliminate the variability that often arises when different individuals perform nucleic acid extractions, which can lead to inconsistencies in downstream analyses.
Variability in RNA/DNA extraction is a well-known issue in molecular biology. Even with standardized kits, the human factor can introduce differences in yield and quality, which in turn can affect the reproducibility and reliability of downstream analyses. To mitigate this, many laboratories limit the number of researchers to one who can perform extractions for a given project. While this approach can reduce variability, it also creates bottlenecks in research workflows and limits the involvement of team members in a critical stage of the project.
XTract addresses these challenges by automating the extraction process. Once the user inputs essential information—such as tissue type, extraction protocol, and required reagents—the machine takes over, executing the extraction with precision and consistency. This automation not only ensures high-quality results but also significantly reduces the time researchers spend on manual extractions, freeing them up to focus on data analysis, experiment design, and other important tasks.
Designed with the modern laboratory in mind, XTract is compact enough to fit on any bench top, making it an ideal solution for laboratories of all sizes, from small academic settings to large industrial research facilities. Its compatibility with existing extraction kits also allows laboratories to continue using their preferred reagents, minimizing the need for new investments in consumables.
The economic advantages of XTract are significant. By reducing the need for highly trained personnel to perform extractions, laboratories can optimize staffing and reduce costs associated with specialized labor. Additionally, the machine’s ability to produce consistent results enhances the overall efficiency of research projects, potentially speeding up the timeline from discovery to publication or product development.
In essence, XTract is more than just an extraction machine; it’s a tool that empowers researchers by providing them with the means to achieve greater consistency and reliability in their work. By automating a critical and often variable step in the research process, XTract helps ensure that the results generated are both accurate and reproducible, ultimately contributing to the
advancement of scientific knowledge in molecular biology and genomics.
XTract is not just a solution to a problem—it’s a leap forward in how DNA/RNA extractions are performed, making high-quality, reliable research accessible to all laboratories.
Email: gafo223@uky.edu
Project Owner
Grant Fox