Team:HKUST-Rice/TXTL

• 
• 
• HOME
• PROJECT
  • OVERVIEW
  • POTASSIUM
    • P_kdpF
    • MODELING
  • PHOSPHATE
  • NITRATE
    • P_dcuS
    • P_yeaR
  • PARALLEL SENSORS
    • P_araBAD characterization
  • APPLICATION
  • DIY GEL IMAGING
• ACHIEVEMENT
  • PARTS
  • MEDAL REQUIREMENTS
• TEAM
  • MEMBERS
  • ADVISORS
  • INSTRUCTORS
  • ATTRIBUTIONS
• HUMAN PRACTICES
  • INTRODUCTION
  • EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
  • BIOETHICAL DEBATE
• WETLAB
  • NOTEBOOK
  • PROTOCOL
  • SAFETY
• 
• 

Cell-Free Paper-Based TXTL System

DIY Gel imaging system

What is cell free system?

Cell-free system is a platform for in vitro expression of genes. Cell-free system usually comprises of a mixture of molecular machinery which will allow transcription and translation of genes to proteins. Compared with the whole cell system, since a cell-free system is not an organism, it is more versatile and can be applied to different media.

Advantages of cell free system chassis

TX-TL cell free system is a safer choice when applying a transgenic device. Since our project mainly deals with the agriculture business, any contamination of crops could lead to mass food poisoning. Therefore, this system addresses the biosafety concerns.

We realize that applying any living genetically modified organism into the field- whether or not it has a built-in biosecurity measure, could potentially lead to uncontrolled spreading of the GMO. Life will finds a way. In view of this, we chose the cell-free system as chassis as it is non-living and does not have any self-replicating ability.

Besides being a safer choice, the cell free system allows a more versatile design. The use of growth media to maintain living organisms is not needed. This features make the cell-free system easy to use and easy to transport.

TXTL system in our project.

In our design, we plan to add the genetically engineered devices, the plasmid containing our biosensors, on a cell-free system on paper as a medium. Soil water sample will be added to this paper-based cell-free system. The paper-based biosensor will then show the result through color changes of the paper. In such a device, it is easy to use and the result is clearly visible to the user.

Result of this system

Coming real soon!!