BioBricks

Module 1: Plastic Detection

Figure 1: The figure above shows our genetic circuit for the Detection Module. The Constitutive Promoter (BBa_J23119) drives constant expression of the NahR protein BBa_K228004 (modified - see below). NahR is a transcriptional activator, which is activated in response to salicylate molecules. Our proxy for plastic - Persistant Organic Pollutants - have a salicylate-like domain, and are therefore capable of activating NahR. Activated NahR binds the p(sal) promoter (Figure 2) thus activating the circuit for Module 2 (Aggregation).

Modified BBa_K228004: The BBa_K228004 BioBrick must be modified as it combines both the NahR protein and the p(sal) promoter. We wish to seperate these.

Please see our Detection Description Subpage for more details on this Module.

Module 2: Aggregation

Figure 2: The Figure above illustrates our circuit for Module 2 (Aggregation). The p(sal) Promoter BBa_K228004 (modified - see below) which triggers the Aggregation circuit is turned on when bound by activated NahR protein from Module 1. Once the p(sal) promoter is activated, it drives expression of the Curli Cluster of genes (BBa_K540000). The individuals genes of the cluster are shown radiating from BBa_K540000.

Modified BBa_K228004: The BBa_K228004 BioBrick must be modified as it combines both the NahR protein and the p(sal) promoter. We wish to seperate these.

For more information on how this circuit is triggered, and the individual roles of the Curli genes, please visit our Aggregation Description Subpage

Module: Plastic Degradation

Figure 3: The image above shows the circuit for Module 3 (Degradation). The Constitutive Promoter (BBa_J23119) drives constant expression of the Laccase BioBrick (BBa_K729002). The Laccase gene we intend to use originates from a particular bacterial strain, and is capable of Polyethylene Degradation.

For more information on how this circuit functions, please visit our Degradation Description Subpage

Module: Buoyancy

For more information on how this circuit functions, please visit our Buoyancy Description Subpage

Module: Salt Tolerance

BBa_K729001 irrE form Deinococcus radiodurans confers salinity and osmotic stress tolerance irrE confers salt tolerance in E. coli. Sequence pending

Module: Containment

BBa_K729010, BBa_K729009 Three fold active biological containment System