Team:Cambridge

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Parts for a reliable and field ready biosensing platform

Implementation of biosensors in real world situations has been made difficult by the unpredictable and non-quantified outputs of existing solutions, as well as a lack of appropriate storage, distribution and utilization systems. This leaves a large gap between a simple, functional sensing mechanism and a fully realised product that can be used in the field. We aim to bridge this gap at all points by developing a standardised ratiometric luciferase output in a Bacillus chassis. This output can be linked up with prototyped instrumentation and software for obtaining reliable quantified results. Additionally, we have reduced the specialized requirements for the storage and distribution of our bacteria by using Bacillus' sporulation system. To improve the performance of our biosensing platform we have genetically modified Bacillus’ germination speed. Lastly, we demonstrated the robustness of our system by testing it with a new fluoride riboswitch, providing the opportunity to tackle real life problems.

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Human Practices

THE DRIVING FORCE

Our goal is to standardise the output of biosensors, and to develop a cheap, user-friendly kit to be used in the field

>>Overview

>>Market Research

>>Outreach & Collaborations

>>Future Directions

Parts for a Reliable and Field Ready Biosensing Platform

OVERVIEW

There are many biosensors available but there is no standard way to deploy them. Many are also non-quantitative and unpredictable. We have been working on a ratiometric luciferase output which can be read by an Arduino device. This output could be used with theoretically any biosensor. We investigated the potential of riboswitches as future biosensors. We use a B.subtilis chassis as these form low maintenance spores for easy, long-term storage.

RiboSense

A NOVEL FLUORIDE SENSOR BASED ON A RIBOSWITCH CONSTRUCT

Riboswitches may well be the biosensor of the future though they are currently under-represented in the registry.

Ratiometrica

INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF RATIOMETRIC REPORTER CONSTRUCTS FOR ACCURATE AND REPRODUCIBLE CHARACTERISATION

We designed fluorescence and luminescence-based constructs that would function in both E.coli and B.subtilis

Biologger

A CHEAP, ARDUINO-BASED, AUTOMATIC ROTARY RATIOLUMINOMETER

An open-sourced, open-platform approach relaying easily interpretable information to a user that is an accurate representation of the input processed by a biological device.

Sporage & Distribution

B. SUBTILIS: LONG TERM, USER-FRIENDLY STORAGE

We developed and optimised procedures for sporulation and germination.

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 <h8 style="color:black; background-color:white;">Parts for a reliable and field ready biosensing platform</h8>
 <p><h9 style="color:black; background-color:white;">Implementation of biosensors in real world situations has been made difficult by the unpredictable and non-quantified outputs of existing solutions, as well as a lack of appropriate storage, distribution and utilization systems. This leaves a large gap between a simple, functional sensing mechanism and a fully realised product that can be used in the field. We aim to bridge this gap at all points by developing a standardised ratiometric luciferase output in a Bacillus chassis. This output can be linked up with prototyped instrumentation and software for obtaining reliable quantified results. Additionally, we have reduced the specialized requirements for the storage and distribution of our bacteria by using Bacillus' sporulation system. To improve the performance of our biosensing platform we have genetically modified Bacillus’ germination speed. Lastly, we demonstrated the robustness of our system by testing it with a new fluoride riboswitch, providing the opportunity to tackle real life problems.