Team:HokkaidoU Japan

Bio-capsule E. coli

Spherical E. coli cluster that can accumulate macromolecules in it

 We have designed two modules to make E. coli implementing the function as bio-capsules that accumulate bio-plastic. First module is to make bio-capsules formed by aggregation of E. coli through cell-cell interaction via adhesion molecule, Ag43, located on the surface of outer membrane. The E. coli capsules can be easily collected by simple filtration without centrifuge steps. Removal of centrifuge steps largely contributes for reduction of time-consuming steps in industrial production of valuable material in E. coli. Second module is for producing bio-plastic (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, P3HB). PHB is produced by microorganisms (like Ralstonia eutrophus). The polymer is primarily a product of carbon assimilation from glucose and is important for microorganisms as an energy storage molecule. Development of a cost-effective method for manufacturing biodegradable plastic is one of important issue for making sustainable future society. 
We have optimized culture conditions for efficient production of E. coli bio-capsules and efficient production of P3HB (first success of bio-plastic production as iGEM team). Then we will try to extend the applicability of this system for producing other high-value added macromolecules in the capsule.
As a Human Practice project of our team, we are developing a user-friendly bio-device catalog site, named “The Bio-Device Ranking”. Through this site, everyone can introduce their favorite bio-devices with a short comment for recommendation.  And everyone including iGEMers can throw a vote to their favorite bio-devices.  The goal of this project is not to cover full information of every single bio-device.  Our purpose is to contribute to beginner in the field of synthetic biology for learning the best examples of bio-devices through participating this exiting ranking event. Let’s make a nice bio-device catalog together!