Brief introduction
This year, our team focus on the degradation of formaldehyde using E. coli. Our genetically engineered bacteria contain three parts: the degradation device、the indication device and the photolysis device. The degradation device acting as the core part which turns formaldehyde into carbon dioxide with several protein. At the same time, the indication device shows users whether the concentration of formaldehyde is safe for human health. When the concentration is higher than a threshold value, the medium gives a blue color, otherwise it appears orange. In consideration of biosafety, we integrate a photolysis system which expresses lysin protein when exposed under blue light, thus our HCHO-scavenger works in the dark. The lysed bacteria can be recycled in the end.
In order to solve the serious problems caused by formaldehyde, our human practices not only carried out basic activities such as questionnaire survey, enterprise interviews, research and publicity, but also designed experiments, which promoted the working process of the experimental group this year. Through our preliminary investigation and experiment, the indicator group and the optical control group in our experimental circuit are produced. Our primary school demonstration PPT is lively and interesting. The demonstration add modern flash function, bring a fresh experience to the public, and let them know our project and iGEM more interestingly. In particular, we hand-painted a set of commentary project line poker cards, and produced a simple and interesting interactive video, so that you can more intuitively experience our project, understand the meaning of iGEM.
Our equipment is equipped with a subsidiary structure of a gas concentrator, which can separate bacteria from the external environment. By using the gas concentrator, not only the formaldehyde in the air can be enriched, but also the change of ventilation can be observed. With the change of formaldehyde concentration, the color of the medium changed, which can be seen in the transparent concentrator. We also add filters on both sides of the bacteria container, so that the bacteria will not enter the concentrator or or directly contact with the external environment.
Inspiration
Through the investigation of human practices, such as investigation data, interviews, we found that the formaldehyde problem has led to very serious situations, such as leukemia, cancer. At present, the products on the market are not enough to solve the problem of formaldehyde. As a student majoring in biology, we urgently want to use synthetic biology to solve the problem of excessive formaldehyde in the environment, so that people can have a safer living environment.
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