Team:Northwestern

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Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, is one of the most abudant substances in nature. Like keratin in skin, it comprises the protective outer layer of these animals. Our chitin expression platform involves generating a layer of chitin from a lawn of bacteria in response to an external molecular cue. This cue induces chitin synthesis (fast) and cell lysis (slow). This system allows for a build-up of chitin followed by cell lysis and subsequent release into the top layer of the lawn. Abrasions expose cells to the external cue for self-repair. In this way, we create a regenerative chitin biolayer with potential medical and industrial applications.
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Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans as well as the cell walls of fungi, is one of the most abundant organic polymers in nature. Like keratin in skin, it comprises the protective outer layer of these organisms. Our goal is to generate a layer of chitin from a lawn of bacteria (Escherichia coli) in response to an external molecular cue. This cue induces chitin synthesis (fast) and cell lysis (slow), allowing for a build-up of chitin followed by cell lysis and subsequent release into the top layer of the lawn. Abrasions expose cells to the external cue for self-repair. This would create a regenerative chitin biolayer with potential medical and industrial applications.
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Revision as of 02:49, 27 October 2010


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SCIN - Self-regenerating Chitin INduction

Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans as well as the cell walls of fungi, is one of the most abundant organic polymers in nature. Like keratin in skin, it comprises the protective outer layer of these organisms. Our goal is to generate a layer of chitin from a lawn of bacteria (Escherichia coli) in response to an external molecular cue. This cue induces chitin synthesis (fast) and cell lysis (slow), allowing for a build-up of chitin followed by cell lysis and subsequent release into the top layer of the lawn. Abrasions expose cells to the external cue for self-repair. This would create a regenerative chitin biolayer with potential medical and industrial applications.

To find out more, click the links below:

Modeling Chassis Induction Chitin Apoptosis

PosterChild.jpg


Locations of visitors to this page


Northwestern University

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries.

Our lab facilities are located at: Technological Institute 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208

Find out more about [http://www.northwestern.edu Northwestern University]

Find out more about [http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/ McCormick School of Engineering]

Find out more about [http://www.weinberg.northwestern.edu/ Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences]

Sponsors

NU.jpg NEB.jpg Promega.jpg Invitrogen.jpg VWR.jpg Picture1.jpg BIF.jpg EPOCH.jpg