Team:Edinburgh

We believe that drug testing kits should be safe, affordable, and readily available to those at risk.

Where tests are affordable and understandable to the end-user, accuracy, and thus safety, is compromised. It is clear that the current methods for checking drugs are not adequate. To change this we envisioned a test designed and modelled around the fundamental needs of the users. This is a test built from their personal input and experience, to create the most useful and appropriate device possible.

We see an opportunity for synthetic biology to provide us with the winning combination of accuracy, ease of use, adaptability, low-cost and portability - a mix that neither simple chemical test-kits nor high-end analytical chemistry can provide. Synthetic biology has allowed us to present the best aspects of all the existing methodologies in one simple device, creating a feasible method of getting accurate safety information to all those who need it.

Through hard work, innovative thinking, strong end-user engagement and of course a hefty dose of synthetic biology, we embarked on a mission to use synthetic biology to make a difference.