| We decided to design a new mechanism for parasite detection - by using the proteases they release. A novel protein bound to the cell surface, with a signalling peptide attached via a protease cleavage site. When the protease comes along, the signal peptide is released, allowing it to activate our signaling module.
| To transduce the signal we used a quorum sensing system of a gram positive bacterium. The two component signal transduction system taken from S. pneumoniae transfers our peptide signal into the cell, activating the fast response module.
| Our fast response mechanism is based around using an enzymatic amplification step acting upon a presynthesised substrate. This greatly reduces the time required for producing a recognisable output, enabling useful field testing kits.
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