Team:Bielefeld-CeBiTec/Overview

Cell-free Sticks

It works on paper!

Abstract

We developed cell-free biosensors which can be used as paper-based test strips. These offer significant advantages over conventional biosensors regarding biosafety, sensitivity and output signal. We created two technical approaches built upon self-made E.coli cell extract and our newly established Plasmid Repressor Interaction Assay (PRIA). Both can be immobilized on paper. The fluorescence signal is detected via smartphone. With these novel biosensor designs we tackle the problem of date rape drug intoxications, which is of increasing relevance in our area, by detecting a common ingredient. Another major problem is the contamination of water with heavy metals. Heavy metal sensors designed by previous iGEM teams as well as new biosensors are combined to a modular cell-free test strip for simultaneous detection. All in all, we are providing an extensible biosensor on paper as a valuable tool for water quality analysis for everyone.

Biosensors
In our project we designed biosensors to detect heavy metals, which are still a major problem all over the world on one hand and the residues of date rape drugs which is a relevant topic in our area. These sensors are based on a simple concept, detection happens by fluorescence.

PRIA
The Plasmid Repressor Interaction Assay works on the principle of repressor binding to DNA and releasing it after conformation change trough interaction with analyte which results in a loss of fluorescence

CFPS
The Cell Free Protein Synthesis is based on a self made crude cell extract from disrupted E.coli cells. We add sensor specific plasmids. The detection is based on fluorescence analysis.

Output