We are a skillful and persistent group of nine Finns. We started as a group of students who didn't really know each other, assuming that we were going to spend our summer studying synthetic biology with strange colleagues. In the end we got a bunch of new friends and (in addition to studying synthetic biology) we just might have spent one of the best summers of our lives.
The new Magical Bacteria: Magnetotactic E.Coli
2015-UESTC TEAM
There is a special microbe in nature which can be attracted by magnet——Magnetotactic bacterium(MTB). Scientists are very interested in it because its Magnetotaxis. Magnetosome, some Fe3O4 nanocrystals covered by membrane with unprecedented magnetic properties, is the reason why MTB has the ability to be attracted by magnet. The process of magnetosome formation which is controled by many related gene cluster is very complex , including——membrane invaginate forming vesicle——absorbing Iron ions——Iron ions being oxidized into Fe3O4——magnetosome connect to each other and form nanopaticle chain.
A lot of great value about magnetotaxis application can be excavated . But MTB is anaerobic, and hard to be raised , also hard to transform. Obviously it is hard to modify and research MTB at molecular level . the large size and the complexity of related gene cluster is also a reason restricted the use of magnetotaxis.
In our project, we are aiming to transfer mamAB、mamGFDC、mms6、mamXYZ four main gene clusters which are related to the formation of magnetosome into E. Coli through recombinant plasmid. The E.Coli will produce magnetosome and abtain the magnetotactic ability. The Magnetotactic E.Coli will be applied in a variety of areas. We will explore the potential in the applaction of Microbial Fuel Cell.
In addition to this ,we will research several genes related to the producing of magnetosome, find out the Specific function in this processing.
