Team:ETHZ Basel
From 2010.igem.org
E. lemming
The X core idea of our project is to control the movement (chemotaxis) of E. coli- by means of light! In fact, we will alter the chemotactic pathway either by substituting the receptor with a light-sensitive one or by interference with the kinase-phosphatase process. We will realize this with the help of proteins whose association and dissociation can be stimulated by pulses of light waves. In both ways, E. coli tumbling is induced or supressed simply by pressing a light switch! As a consequence, the bacterium can be "driven" to a precise, pre-fixed location. Tumbling / directed flagellar movement rates are monitored by a digital controller, which is combined with image processing algorithms. This system enables control of single E. coli cells to move like mindless "Lemmings" in the direction they are forced to go.