Team:BostonU/Characterization
From 2012.igem.org
Characterization
The part characterization problem is multi-dimensional - for one, it is rarely possible to have a single DNA part carry out an observable function without the assistance of other parts. Additionally, it is not widely agreed how to acquire measurements and what conditions are best for characterizing function. There is a need to develop such a methodological standard so that DNA part information can be understood and applied by multiple groups.
Canton et. al 2008 Ellis et. al 2009 Beal et. al 2012
Recent work has been done to accomplish this goal. Some groups have worked towards setting a standard for measuring and sharing part characterization data (Canton et. al 2008) and others have used characterization data for model-guided design (Ellis et. al 2009). Other have explored the ability to get complete transfer curves for chemical induction of various promoters (Beal et. al). However, characterization data is often collected and analyzed in different ways making it difficult to compare and re-use.
A more detailed description of the technology can be found on the BD Biosciences website