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Team:Peking
From 2010.igem.org
Biosensor:
Based on reverse engineering principles, we
engineered our bacteria into valid bioreporters
for Hg(II) in aquatic environment. Rational desi-
-gn of genetic circuit topology was conducted to
confer mercury sensor and regulator compone-
-nts high efficiency and robustness. Additionally,
a new approach based on the use of multiple
bioreporter cell lines to control assay variations
and to improve in field application ease was also
developed.
learn more
Expansion:
MerR family TFs share a high homology at their
metal binding domains, which implies that our strategies of bioreporter
and bioabsorbent engineering might be applicable to other cases. Then our
reverse engineering strategy was expanded to another common toxic heavy
metal, lead (Pb) to prove the validness of our engineering strategy.learn more
Bioabsorbent:
A closer look into mercury- and lead-responsive
regulators was conducted via 3D structure mode-
-ling, followed by rational design of metal binding
peptides (MBP) for various heavy metals. Merc-
-ury and lead MBPs were accomplished in our
bioware experiment. Then high-performance
whole-cell bioabsorbent was constructed by
expression of MBP on outer membrane surface,
periplasm and cytosol of E.coli cells, verified by
following function test.
Application: Traditional bioreporters are not practical when it comes to
in field application. One crucial factor that restricts the in field application is the
preservation condition of the bacteria, often requiring costly instrument.We
endeavored to solve this hard truth by development of a standard preservation
method which endows our bioreporters with application ease. learn more
Parts
Our team submitted a library of thoroughly characterized and standardized parts. Therefore contributing an alternative set of tools towards heavy metal detection and decontamination in the iGEM context. What's more, as our MerR-family-derivated engineering method could be applicable in nearly all cases of heavy metal, our parts and corresponding documents provide a streamlined method for heavy metal bioreporter and bioabsorbent construction.
Team
Eighteen students and three instructors are working on our project during this summer. We split up into several subgroups whose focus and results you can follow on the Notebook or Project pages. If you want to know more about the subgroups and the people involved, meet us on our Team page.
Gallery
It's an unforgettable summer, during which we spared no effort to fight for our dreams and the honour of Peking iGEM team. Photos recorded every footprint of everyone. Join us together!
