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Team:Gaston Day School
From 2012.igem.org
Our 2012 Project
Gaston Day School's iGEM project for 2012 is composed of three parts.First
We are further developing our Red Fluorescent Nitrate Detector from last year. We plan to continue the nitrate detector since nitrates pose a relevant problem in our community due to large farms. The Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP) has a significant advantage over the standard Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP); RFP, unlike GFP, is visible with the naked eye. This is advantageous because in most parts of the world, citizens do not carry UV light in their pocket! The detector is very simplistic. After a water sample is placed in the detector, it will fluoresce with a red color if nitrates are present. Furthermore, it will remain clear when nitrates are not present.Currently, we have a functional prototype. However, it is not sensitive enough to be effective. Nitrate ingestion restricts hemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen. Without oxygen, cyanosis often occurs in young children and babies. This is known as Methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome.
In order to increase the sensitivity of our machine, we will use a procedure presented at the 2011 iGEM competition by the University of California at Davis team. They created an innovative protocol for mutagenic PCR. More information about the team and procedure is available at their 2011 project site.
We also plan to create a Cadmium Sensor; the machine will use a Cadmium promoter paired with Green Fluorescent Protein. GFP will be used over RFP since it has a higher sensitivity.
Cadmium, a known carcinogen, is a toxic heavy metal that is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cadmium is used globally in fertilizer, battery, paint, plastic, and electroplating industries. Exposure occurs from water, food, batteries, tobacco / marijuana, paints and many other sources. Cadmium exposure may cause damage to the victim’s heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and reproductive system; after long term exposure, death is a possibility. Because of its irreversibility, Cadmium-induced kidney damage is associated with renal failure. (Global Healing Center, 2012).
The final project will be based solely on safety. Both sensors use genetically modified bacteria to provide the fluorescence. After use, our directions recommend treating the bacteria with bleach for appropriate disposure (included the kit). As we all know, not everyone reads the directions! We are afraid that instead of properly treating the bacteria with bleach, the users will decide to dump it down the drain, in their garden, or other locations. “What will happen if the user does (fill in the blank)?” is our motto for our safety project.
Bibliography:
Global Healing Center. (2012). Global Healing Center. Retrieved July 10, 2012 from
- http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/heavy-metals/dangers-of-cadmium
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