Features and Applications

The Cellular Logbook regards quite unexplored and fundamental based research. Our projects holds a platform for new technology. But there are already some applications that are feasible in the near future.

Facets

Combining all sensors: the Cellular Logbook

One of the more popular themes in iGEM projects is the creation of a biosensor for a specific product, and as such the iGEM part registry contains many sensors. Every year a lot of newly developed sensors are added. These sensors are very much needed in today’s world where many new threats and problems arise as unexpected dangers. However, most of these biosensors are fundamentally different in design, making it hard to have multiple sensors in one system. On top of that, many previous iGEM teams used fluorescence, pH or electrical conductance as a readout mechanism.

Our Cellular Logbook aims to create a single microorganism with the ability to sense a wide range of different signals and register them efficiently. The Cellular Logbook allows for the incorporation of many standardized sensors of the parts registry database in the same system using the biobrick assembly system. In addition it also provides a unique standardized sensing mechanism that can be used by any sensor that is compatible with the host cell.

Our system can be linked to any other sensory system introduced into a microorganism, therefore creating a multiple-sensor-microorganism. Since the registration of a signal occurs via methylation of a specific DNA sequence called Memory Part (MP), a specific signal can be stored effectively for either a short or a longer period of time, to eventually be read-out in an easy digestion providing a simple yes or no answer.

Time Indicator

Figure 1: Due to cell division, the amount of methylated plasmids will be approximately halved during each division cycle. In this picture a lower opacity indicates a lower amount of methylated plasmids

Numerous identical plasmids are often present in single cells and plasmids replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome (Scott 1984). A plasmid copy number (PCN) has been determined for all plasmids in the Parts Registry, which indicates a likely amount of copies of the plasmid to be present in each cell. Unlike eukaryotes, prokaryotes do not copy DNA methylation patterns to the newly synthesized strand during DNA replication. This will lead to a dilution of the amount of ‘written’-plasmids over time, mostly due to cell replication and the ensuing binomial division of the plasmids in the parent cell among the two daughter cells.

The volatilty of this memory design seemed a downside at first, but quickly opened our eyes to a very exciting feature of this system. By analyzing the fraction at the time of memory read-out, the time at which the signal was registered can be inferred.

Concentration Indicator

On and off detection of a signal's presence is useful, but often in biology gaining insight in the quantity of a signal is even more relevant. By coupling different promoters with different strengths as responses to the same signal and assigning each promoter its own unique Memory Part, the range in which the strength of the signal is located can be measured.

Easy and Quick

A perk and very welcomed bonus of our system is that it is easy. It is easy in use, easy to read and straight forward to understand. For any circumstance specialized systems can be made which can be used in any condition for fast insight.

The most stripped down version, that could only sense a few signals of our system, could even be used on site. All you need is: our specialized bacteria, a centrifuge, a mini-prep kit, restriction enzymes, a gel and a UV tray. Bring a PCR machine and even the fully customized bacteria can be used!

Applications

Taking in mind the above facets, many applications are possible. Below are a few highlighted applications.

Compound Detection

Clean Water Supply Detection

If we are able to use our bacteria in the environment, our Cellular Logbook can be used to sense toxic signals in the environment. One of the places in need for toxic detection are the water supplies, ponds and rivers in the Netherlands. We had a talk with toxicologist Ron van der Oost from Waternet [1]. During this talk we came to the conclusion that a multi sensor that is able to detect 20 different toxic groups, and is able to detect if the concentration has surpassed a specific amount, would be greatly cost reducing compared to the current setup for detecting if a water supply is clean of toxics, which can cost up to 40.000 euros / place. To achieve this we need a system that contains the bacteria, so no bacteria will roam in the environment. The KWR Water Cycle Research Institute[2] has developed a flow-trough sensor that can also serve as a container for our sensor[3].

Compound Emission Detection at Industrial Sites

The Cellular Logbook can be used at fabrics to measure compound emission. During a talk with dr. Bart van der Burg, Chief Scientific Officer at BioDetection Systems b.v.[4], who currently use bioassays to detect compounds in samples, we came to the realization that the Cellular Logbook can be used as a cheap detection system for compound emission of industrial sites. If the Cellular Logbook cells are captured in a system that prevents them from being released in the environment, the Cellular Logbook can be placed at multiple locations, after which they are able tell us where, when and in what concentration a certain chemical has been detected.

Debugger

Science relies on experimentations. Besides simply measuring or tracking a substance or concentration biologists can encounter unexplainable or vague findings, especially when experimenting with modified or synthetically engineered proteins or genetic networks. Many general questions rise: Is the pathway I’m working with still active? Does my introduced or suspected protein accurately activate my gene?

The system of our Cellular Logbook can help to answer these questions. Our methylation based system only requires a zinc finger and methyltransferase fusion protein (ZnF-Mtase) and our specific Memory Part. Any promoter can be set before our Mtase and can thus be effectively tested. And since the memory plasmid is so expandable not just one but multiple promoters can be tested in the same experiment if a unique zinc finger is linked to a methyltransferase for every sensor. This allows any scientist to simultaneously test all parts of a pathway or multiple pathways at the same time, creating a fuller understanding of any complex mechanism.

Do It Yourself

The Cellular Logbook is quick and easy to use. A centrifuge, gel electrophoresis setup and pcr machine are all the machines needed to get the Cellular Logbook to work, bringing great promise for the Do It Yourself biologist. This form of biology is one that is gaining in popularity, and we will definately see more of it in the future. We suspect that our Cellular Logbook system can greatly attribute to this form of biology in the future. A farmer that might be worried about the fertility of his land before planting his crops can use the Cellular Logbook to detect for favorable and unfavorable conditions. In the Do It Yourself manner, the Cellular Logbook can also be used as a health check at home, or the detection of spoiled food.

Global Challenges

We took the global challenges as given by The Millenium Project[5] to show what the Cellular Logbook can contribute to worldwide societal problems. As a result we have identified four challenges where the Cellular Logbook is able to significantly contribute to the solution.

How can everyone have sufficient clean water without conflict?

One of the main problems in 3rd world countries concerning clean water supplies, apart from the cleaning of the water, is the detection of contaminated water. The Cellular Logbook can serve as a multi-sensor that comprises all the common causes for contaminated water in the 3rd world. Using this multi-sensor we have a cheap and efficient way of detecting contaminated water that is affordable in 3rd world countries.

How can the threat of new and reemerging diseases and immune micro-organisms be reduced?

Our multi-sensor can be used to detect these diseases but also to monitor places at risk. Since it can be adapted to use any sensor it can be used to effectively scan for several threats. And being inside a live organism our logbook provides a longer measurement instead of just capturing a single moment. Thus giving a much better insight into the situation at hand.

How can growing energy demands be met safely and efficiently?

Using the Cellular logbook adapted to any specific waste or other suspected threats produced when this energy demand is met, it can efficiently provide a means for safer outcome.

How can scientific and technological breakthroughs be accelerated to improve the human condition?

By using our Cellular logbook platform as described for the Debugger. Using the Debugger can provide much faster insight when testing pathways or if you just want to find out whether or not your system is working. These fast means of insight can generate a new bundle of information and save precious time for any researcher.