Our Solution
We will attempt to construct a synthetic biological system not dependent on expensive and non-reusable test strips, inspired by the durable nature of cells and ability to detect chemical changes in the environment. We plan to assemble a 3-part reporter system specific to diabetes-relevant levels of glucose in the blood, ranging from 30 ng/dL to 300 ng/dL2. Our system will utilize iGEM registry chromoproteins, which will allow for easy visual characterization and hence prevent the need for patients to have equipment outside of a standard fridge.
Originality and Improvement
Glucose-related reporter systems are not a new concept to iGEM, as is apparent from the 2011 Missouri Miners team, who tested an OmpR-based reporter system; the 2008 Edinburgh team, who constructed a synthetic cAMP reporter system; and WHU China 2012, who created a repressible cAMP reporter system. However, a three-part multi-color system is novel and would solve the qualitative characterization flaw inherent in one-color systems, especially those utilizing chromoproteins. Additionally, as Edinburgh’s cAMP inducible promoter3 and WHU China’s cAMP repressible promoter4 offer levels of sensitivity close to what we wish to achieve, we will seek to improve the existing characterization of those parts.
Additional Endeavors
In addition to our project and characterization goals, we will seek to model how our system can be used effectively in the real world and educate the community in order to further the possibility of this model becoming a reality. We also hope to have a lot of fun doing it!
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