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Team:Groningen/Home
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Self assembling hydrophobic biofilm
Surface hydrophobicity is a very useful property and is used in many applications ranging from raincoats, antifouling coatings to applications in the field of medical sciences.
The idea is to engineer a bacterium that once applied to a surface starts forming a fast growing rigid biofilm. The formation will trigger the expression of hydrophobic proteins called chaplins. These hydrophobic proteins will be incorporated in the biofilm, causing strong hydrophobic surface activity. The result is a hydrophobic bio-based surface coating.
Team.
This year a team of young inspired undergraduates from the University of Groningen participated in the amazing challenge of iGEM. A multi-disciplinary team of Molecular Biologists, Chemists, Computer Scientists, Journalists and others spend the summer creating a wonderful project in the emerging field of synthetic biology
Model.
Using computer models we worked on the frontiers of knowledge. Gene expression was simulated and a simple explanation for cell differentiation was proposed. Also aiding in ethics and practical feasibility a kill switch system was studied. Finally a new standard was proposed for characterizing Biobrick parts so future can be streamlined.
Human practices.
Because we believe that synthetic biology can better the lives of people and ensure long term prosperity for all humans we spend time educating high school students. But not all is perfect so risks were assessed and we philosophized on the ethical aspects of synthetic biology.
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