Team:TU Darmstadt/Project

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    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Safety" title="Safety">Safety</a></li>
    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Safety" title="Safety">Safety</a></li>
    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Downloads" title="Downloads">Downloads</a></li></ul></li>
    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Downloads" title="Downloads">Downloads</a></li></ul></li>
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<li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Human_Practice" title="Human Practice">Human Practice</a><ul>
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<li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Human_Practice" title="Human Practice">Human Practice</a></li>   
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    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Human_Practice/Panel_Discussion " title="Panel Discussion">Panel Discussion</a></li>
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    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Human_Practice/Symposia" title="Symposia">Symposia</a></li>
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    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Human_Practice/Classes" title="Classes">Classes</a></li></ul></li>   
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<li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Sponsors" title="Sponsors">Sponsors</a><ul>
<li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Sponsors" title="Sponsors">Sponsors</a><ul>
    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Sponsors" title="Sponsors">Overview</a></li>
    <li><a href="/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Sponsors" title="Sponsors">Overview</a></li>
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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
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Since the discovery of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the 1940s, it has become the most widely manufactured synthetic. In 2012, global annual production exceeded 100 million tons. Its popularity also creates the issue of PET waste. In Western countries today, less than 70% of PET produced are recovered by common means of recycling. Biological processes currently play no role, as its chemical properties make PET inert to biological degradation.
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Since the discovery of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate Polyethylene terephthalate] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET]) in the 1940s, it has become the most widely manufactured synthetic. In 2010, global annual production exceeded 100 million tons. Its popularity also creates the issue of [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Ecology PET waste]. In Western countries today, less than 70% of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] produced are recovered by conventional means of recycling. Biological processes currently play no role, as its chemical properties make [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] inert to biological degradation. As a solution to this, we suggest the development of a bacterial recycling system, transforming [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Ecology PET waste] into harmless, environmentally benign compounds which then can be used further in a wide range of applications. This will help to turn [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] into a useful secondary raw material that is just too valuable to throw away.
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Recently it was discovered that the erosion of PET in a maritime environment ultimately creates nanoparticles with undesired characteristics, as these particles tend to accumulate toxic substances on their surface. This poses a growing threat to the environment and a serious health risk. Therefore, developing new methods for PET degradation became an urgent issue. We suggest the development of a bacterial recycling system, transforming PET waste into harmless, environmentally benign compounds which can be used in a wide range of applications. Thus converting PET waste into a new ressource preventing pollution by making it too useful to toss away.
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'''How would such a bacterial recycling system look like and what features are required?'''
'''How would such a bacterial recycling system look like and what features are required?'''
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The bacterial recycling system we aim for is based on a easy to cultivate microorganism that we enhance by inserting enzymes that handle a specific task ultimately enabling it to recycle PET. This recycling will be done in fermenters preventing any release of or organism. We named it PET.er (PET terminator).
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The bacterial recycling system we aim for is based on an easy to cultivate microorganism. This is then enhanced by inserting enzymes that are tailored to handle a specific task. This will ultimately enable the microorganism to recycle [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET]. The recycling itself will be done in fermenters, thus preventing any release of process products or organisms.  
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First of all our genetical modified organism (GMO) would need to be able to [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation digest] the PET decomposing it into its terephtalic acid (TPA) subunits. Due to its chemical properties TPA uptake by diffusion isn't possible at pH higher than 3.0, a condition in which ''Escherichia coli'' (''E. coli'') the most common microogranism in genetics, can't be cultivated. This fact makes it necessary to implement a specialised TPA uptake system in order to enable ''E. coli'' for an uptake at pH 7.0. There are multiple reasons for which we decided to use ''E. coli'' as our host bacteria. It is easy to cultivate, secure to handle and tons of different strains and materials are available. Most important is the circumstance that the genome of ''E. coli'' is well known and characterised. This enables us to modify and insert proteins as we please. Furthermore even if ''E. coli'' is able to absorb TPA, it can't use it in its metabolism. Therefore we are required to insert additional enzymes to 'adjust' the metabolic pathway enabling ''E. coli'' of using the TPA as an engergy source. Information about the ''E. coli'' genome is essential for this task.
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We named the microorganism containing all the enzymes PET.er ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] terminator).  
 +
First of all, our genetically modified organism (GMO) shall be able to [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation digest] the PET, decomposing it into its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid terephtalic acid] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA]) subunits. Due to its chemical properties, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA] [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport uptake] by diffusion is not possible at pH values higher than 3.0. Under such conditions, ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli Escherichia coli]'' (''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]''), the most common microorganism in genetics, cannot be cultivated. If one still wants to use ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'', it is necessary to implement a specialised [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport TPA uptake system] in order to make it work at pH 7.0. There are multiple reasons for using ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'' as our host bacteria. It is easy to cultivate, secure to handle and literally tons of different [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Materials#Strains strains] and [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Materials materials] are available. Most important is the circumstance that the genome of ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'' is well-known and characterised. This enables us to modify and insert proteins as we please. Yet there is a challenge: Even if an unmodified ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'' were able to absorb [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA], it could not use it in its metabolism. Therefore, we need to insert additional enzymes to ‘tweak’ the [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Metabolism metabolic pathway], thus enabling ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'' to use the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA] as an energy source. So, obviously, information about the ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli genome]'' is essential for this task.
 +
In brief, we need to insert enzymes for [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation degradation], [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport transport (uptake)] and [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Metabolism metabolism]. This may sound easy, but it isn't. First of all, ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]'' is a living system. It may repel, mutate or modify [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA DNA] that it doesn't tolerate or may simply die after transformation. Secondly, even if enzymes are proven to work in other microorganisms, it doesn't necessarily mean that they'll work after insertion into ''[http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]''. Therefore, a whole variety of tests is required to evaluate the project and to verify successful implementation. Testing involves [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Material_Science material science] (physical testing) and [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Simulation modeling].
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Briefly we need to insert enzymes for [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation degradation], [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport transport (uptake)] and [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Metabolism metabolism]. This may sound easy, but it isn't. First of all ''E. coli'' is a living system. It kicks out, mutates and modifies DNA that it doesn't like or simply dies after insertion. Secondly even if the enzymes that are proven to work in other microogranism are inserted in ''E. coli'' it doesn't necessarily mean that they'll work. Therefore a whole variety of tests is required to evaluate the project. This involves [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Material_Science material science] (physical testing) and [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Simulation modeling].
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'''How did we handle the task?'''
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'''How did you handle the task?'''
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We were able to recruit numerous [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Team team members], so we split our project into a number of tasks by their respective objectives:
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Due to the fact, that we were able to recruit an enormous [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Team team], we split our project according to their objectives:
+
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation Degradation]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation Degradation]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport Transport]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Transport Transport]
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# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Material_Science Material Science]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Material_Science Material Science]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Simulation Simulation/Modeling]
# [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Simulation Simulation/Modeling]
-
In addition to those sub-projects we convinced students of other departments to contribute to our project. This involves:
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In addition to these sub-projects we invited students from other departments to contribute to our project. This involves:
* [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Ecology Ecology]
* [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Ecology Ecology]
* [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Philosophy Philosophy]
* [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Philosophy Philosophy]
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The information provided in this overview is just a brief introduction. Want to learn more? Continue with [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation 1. Degradation].
The information provided in this overview is just a brief introduction. Want to learn more? Continue with [https://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt/Project/Degradation 1. Degradation].

Latest revision as of 09:23, 26 September 2012

Overview

Since the discovery of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate Polyethylene terephthalate] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET]) in the 1940s, it has become the most widely manufactured synthetic. In 2010, global annual production exceeded 100 million tons. Its popularity also creates the issue of PET waste. In Western countries today, less than 70% of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] produced are recovered by conventional means of recycling. Biological processes currently play no role, as its chemical properties make [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] inert to biological degradation. As a solution to this, we suggest the development of a bacterial recycling system, transforming PET waste into harmless, environmentally benign compounds which then can be used further in a wide range of applications. This will help to turn [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] into a useful secondary raw material that is just too valuable to throw away.

How would such a bacterial recycling system look like and what features are required?

The bacterial recycling system we aim for is based on an easy to cultivate microorganism. This is then enhanced by inserting enzymes that are tailored to handle a specific task. This will ultimately enable the microorganism to recycle [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET]. The recycling itself will be done in fermenters, thus preventing any release of process products or organisms. We named the microorganism containing all the enzymes PET.er ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate PET] terminator). First of all, our genetically modified organism (GMO) shall be able to digest the PET, decomposing it into its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid terephtalic acid] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA]) subunits. Due to its chemical properties, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA] uptake by diffusion is not possible at pH values higher than 3.0. Under such conditions, [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli Escherichia coli] ([http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]), the most common microorganism in genetics, cannot be cultivated. If one still wants to use [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli], it is necessary to implement a specialised TPA uptake system in order to make it work at pH 7.0. There are multiple reasons for using [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli] as our host bacteria. It is easy to cultivate, secure to handle and literally tons of different strains and materials are available. Most important is the circumstance that the genome of [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli] is well-known and characterised. This enables us to modify and insert proteins as we please. Yet there is a challenge: Even if an unmodified [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli] were able to absorb [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA], it could not use it in its metabolism. Therefore, we need to insert additional enzymes to ‘tweak’ the metabolic pathway, thus enabling [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli] to use the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terephthalic_acid TPA] as an energy source. So, obviously, information about the [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli genome] is essential for this task. In brief, we need to insert enzymes for degradation, transport (uptake) and metabolism. This may sound easy, but it isn't. First of all, [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli] is a living system. It may repel, mutate or modify [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA DNA] that it doesn't tolerate or may simply die after transformation. Secondly, even if enzymes are proven to work in other microorganisms, it doesn't necessarily mean that they'll work after insertion into [http://ecoliwiki.net/colipedia/index.php/Escherichia_coli E. coli]. Therefore, a whole variety of tests is required to evaluate the project and to verify successful implementation. Testing involves material science (physical testing) and modeling.

How did we handle the task?

We were able to recruit numerous team members, so we split our project into a number of tasks by their respective objectives:

  1. Degradation
  2. Transport
  3. Metabolism
  4. Material Science
  5. Simulation/Modeling

In addition to these sub-projects we invited students from other departments to contribute to our project. This involves:

The information provided in this overview is just a brief introduction. Want to learn more? Continue with 1. Degradation.