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− | <p>Manages the connection to CAir Pro™ and allows the setting of its preference. The connected device name is shown at<br> ① | + | <p>Manages the connection to CAir Pro™ and allows the setting of its preference. The connected device name is shown at<br> ① Users can click the add button<br> ② to connect a new CAir Pro™ in screenshot 2. CAir Pro™ has two operation mode: manual and automatic<br>③ Users can set the fan, blender, LED, and air pump<br>④ in manual mode.</p> |
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Revision as of 00:02, 22 October 2019
![Responsive image](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/04/T--Mingdao--0999.png)
Problem
CAir™
CAir Pro™
CAir™ Trol
Functionality
Future Plan
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/8/86/T--Mingdao--hard11.png)
Addressing the Problem
We applied synthetic biology to develop a microalgae purification system efficiently removing CO2 and VOCs. Furthermore, we innovated two devices and one mobile app to enhance the system’s functionality. Our hardware can address problems in synthetic biology with our special design.
Q1. Does the hardware improve the operational and performance efficiency of the system?
The design involves nano bubble disk and mini pump that can efficiently improve the absorption of CO2 of our algae, making our product efficient enough to compete with other methods and eco-friendly as well.
Q2. Do users utilize the hardware to test the system? And what do we learn from users’ feedback?
We conducted the user testing, gaining a good experiment data and encouraging feedback. While ten people in one room, our product can lengthen the period of CO2 ppm raising from 700 to 1000 1.7 times longer than normal. Also, the feedback from users indicated the difficulty to carry out our product due to the risk of spreading the algae, which helped us revise our disadvantages.
Q3. What can we share in learning from developing the hardware to address problems in synthetic biology?
Our hardware used some unique skills and structures, which we can share with other teams. For instance, we utilize a special triple-deck top design to store all the sensors, motors and control board. Moreover, we also developed an app, which can help us controlled our device remotely, which can make the experiments in the future go smoothly.
Q4. What the prospect do we have to improve our system?
We are going to invent CAir Pill™ in the future, which is able to slowly release enzymes into the system at a constant speed and quantitative. That enables to extend the use time and maintains the best performance.
CAir™
DESIGN CONCEPT
In order to make our experiments go smoothly, we designed a small device to test the effect of CA and CYP2E1, which were produced in our lab. Algae can be placed in the device, and we have also designed some components to allow the algae to grow in the most suitable environment. The following is an introduction of the detailed construction of the device:
CAir™ uses three C size batteries (or one 9v battery) to provide sufficient power for the Air pump and LED lights. First, the Air pump forms a small air bubbles with Mini Bubble Disk through the air containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide and VOCs, thereby increasing the contact area and pumped into the Algae containing CA and CYP2E1. Because of the bright LED lights around, the algae will continue to work in photosynthesis, coupled with the role of CA and CYP2E1, allowing algae to efficiently reduce the amount of these pollutants and release clean air.
When using CAir™, the Extension Stand can be erected for Fresh Air out. As for the Extension Stand, you can put it upside down to save space. The O-ring above the Extension Stand is an important part of CAir™. It can be used to prevent the algae inside from dripping out during storage, making it easier to carry.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/5/55/T--Mingdao--hard12.png)
DESIGN I
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/7/74/T--Mingdao--hard13.png)
For the 3D design of CAir™, we used the software package SoildWorks. We decided to use SolidWorks, as it is extremely intuitive for beginners. It's closer to the software used in real industrial design, and it offers more features. The first design was quite simple. We just designed a groove to place the structure above into the structure below.
The problems & user feedback
![...](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/e/ec/T--Mingdao--hard14.png)
This over simplified design makes it very inconvenient when we take it. First of all, we can't hold the top structure when we take it, otherwise it will separate from lower structures. Secondly, this design will make the algae inside spread easily, making it very inconvenient to carry. So we decided to go back to the drawing board to work on design 2.
DESIGN II
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/9/99/T--Mingdao--hard15.png)
After the initial testing of the water leakage volume of design 2, the average water leakage at the angle of maximum leakage is 1.3ml / sec(It's 12% of design 1, but still not sufficient), we returned to the literature, seeking instruction on how to adapt the design to decrease water leakage.
Design consultant
![...](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/02/T--Mingdao--hard16.png)
After discussion with engineer Huang, Cheng-Yi who work at FabLab in Mingdao High School, he advised us to design CAir™ with much clearer direction. For example, in order to further increase the convenience of taking, we add a latch design.
The problems & user feedback
![...](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/c/ca/T--Mingdao--hard17.png)
We also decided to add O-ring to reduce the possibility of water spillage. However, after the trial, we found that the water still leaked out, and the biggest problem is that the O-ring does not fit very tightly with the upper and lower structures, so the water will flow out through the small gap between them.
DESIGN III
Design consultant
![...](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/02/T--Mingdao--hard16.png)
We again asked engineer Mr. Huang to discuss, he suggested that we try with the thread because the thread can gradually increase the adhesion between the upper and lower structure and the O-ring, so that the water is less likely to leak out.
The problems & user feedback
![...](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/5/50/T--Mingdao--hard18.png)
In the final experiment, we succeeded in making it with almost no water leaking.This make CAir Pro™ more portable comparing to CAir.
DESIGN SPEC
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/08/T--Mingdao--hard21.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/6/65/T--Mingdao--hard22.png)
CAir Pro™
DESIGN CONCEPT
Although having CAir™, we still confronted a lot of inconveniences during the experiment. For example, when we were conducting experiments, we had to put a CO2 sensor to check our experimental results. What’s more, we could not control each part(LED lights and air pump) respectively at the same time. So we decided to create CAir Pro™,and the following is an introduction of the detailed construction.
The CAir Pro™ is powered by Micro USB and can be connected directly to the transformer or to a mobile power source. Compared to CAir™, CAir Pro™ has 2 Air pumps, longer LED strips (providing 4.5 times more brightness than CAir™), a larger Bubble Disk, and a fast-mixing Blender, allowing algae to work in the best environment for photosynthesis. This provides a more efficient elimination of CA and CYP2E1 through accelerated integration of CO2 and VOCs, and then through the fan, which provides a large and rapid release of clean air.
More “professional” than CAir™, CAir Pro™ has a microchip control system that controls all electronic components, including LED, Air pump, Blender speed, and fan speed, making it more flexible and convenient to use. In addition, CAir Pro™ is compatible with CO2 and O2 sensors, allowing users to better understand indoor air quality. CAir Pro™ can also use Bluetooth to connect with your phone, which makes it much easierto use.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/4/49/T--Mingdao--hard23.png)
DESIGN I
With the experience of making CAir™, we are even faster when making CAir Pro™. We added the design of the latch to CAir Pro™ from the beginning. Also, in order to enhance its appearance, we opened a few holes so that we can see the green algae inside.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/07/T--Mingdao--hard31.png)
The problems & user feedback
Because of our lack of experience and sloppiness, we have neglected the way the electrical wires go, making it very difficult to assemble CAir Pro™. At the same time, when creating the central control layer, we over-idealized the device so that the clean air was obstructed when it circulated to the sensors. Therefore we decided to redraw the design diagram.
DESIGN II
After discussion, we decided to increase the gap below the central control layer, allowing air to pass through the sensors more easily, while also improving the fluency of the air outflowing the device. We also modified the design to make the wiring more smooth.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/d/d2/T--Mingdao--hard32.png)
DESIGN SPEC
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/5/59/T--Mingdao--hard33.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/8/81/T--Mingdao--hard34.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/f/f0/T--Mingdao--hard35.png)
CAir™ Trol
In order to increase the ease of use of the device, we developed an app that allows us to remotely control CAir Pro™. The app is consist of four main features (i.e., Home, Devices, Modeling, and Export). Users can switch between different functions by clicking the buttons.
HOME
The startup page, which indicates the current concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/b/bf/T--Mingdao--image131.png)
DEVICE
Manages the connection to CAir Pro™ and allows the setting of its preference. The connected device name is shown at
① Users can click the add button
② to connect a new CAir Pro™ in screenshot 2. CAir Pro™ has two operation mode: manual and automatic
③ Users can set the fan, blender, LED, and air pump
④ in manual mode.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/d/db/T--Mingdao--image81.png)
screenshot 1
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/0/0f/T--Mingdao--image41.png)
screenshot 2
MODELING
With modeling, users can estimate the time required for carbon dioxide reduction by entering the size of the room and number of people in there.
DATA EXPORT
Export the data of the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen collected by sensors on CAir Pro™ in different file formats (e.g, .csv file).
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/9/91/T--Mingdao--image191.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/2/2d/T--Mingdao--image161.png)
CODE SOURCE
CO2 Sensor
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/d/df/T--Mingdao--image251.png)
O2 Sensor
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/6/63/T--Mingdao--image291.png)
Due to copyright protection, please contact us if you need the full code. (Welcome email us at biolab@ms.mingdao.edu.tw)
USER MANUAL
Quick start
- Plug the power cable to CAir Pro™ and the red LED on the top will flash rapidly.
- Open the App and go to "Device" page and click the add button
- Select”CAir Pro™” in the "Found device" list
- The red light above CAir Pro™ will flash twice per second when connected.
- The device is connected, enjoy your brand-new air purifier!
Demonstration of Functionality
![Responsive image](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/5/5a/T--Mingdao--hard36.png)
In order to ensure our product is functional enough to allow algae to grow in a suitable environment to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the room effectively, we conducted the following experiments as a simulation:
We found a study room (2m*6m*9m) in the lab, where its windows were closed, with the air-conditioning fully operated. We first opened the windows and turned off the air-conditioner so that the carbon dioxide concentration would be around 700 ppm, which is the average indoor CO2 concentration. Then, we asked 10 volunteers, including a chemistry teacher, iGEM members and other students who let go of the experiments at hand and join us. They were invited into the room at the beginning of the experiment. Each experiment took 20 minutes. We conducted each experiment for three trials and took the average of them as the final data.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/a/aa/T--Mingdao--hard37.png)
For the first trial, we did not open CAir Pro™, and the average data was shown through the blue line in the chart. The indoor carbon dioxide concentration exceeded to 1000 ppm at the 7th minute and it reached 1500 ppm in the 20th minute.
For the second trial, we turned on CAir Pro™ without CA in it. The average data is shown as the red line in the chart. With CAir Pro™ turning on, the indoor carbon dioxide concentration reached 1000 ppm 4 minutes later than the first experiment. What's more, it did not even exceed to 1400 ppm at the end of this experiment.
For the third time, we turned on CAir Pro™ and added CA in it. The average data was shown as the green line in the chart. When CAir Pro™ was turned on with CA, the indoor carbon dioxide concentration reached 1000 ppm 12 minutes later than the first experiment (without CAir Pro™). At last, it only reached 1000 ppm at the end of the experiment.
From these experimental results, we can know:
- Our device has a huge achievement since our device allowed our algae to photosynthesize effectively. The data line of the second experiment (red line) is lower than the data line for the first experiment (blue line).
- After adding CA, algae can photosynthesize more efficiently and capture the carbon dioxide more rapidly. Thus, the data line of the third experiment (green line) is lower than the data line of the second experiment (red line).
Future Plan
CAir Pill™
Although having such convenient devices, we would like to make an caplet as a “medicine” so that CA and CYP2E1 can be released into the device at a constant speed and quantity(0.1 mg/ml/day) for a long period of time. When looking for the related techniques, we found that China Chemical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd had what we need. Thus, we contacted them and ensure this production plan is accessible. In the future, we may make CAir Pill™ to achieve our goal.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2019/1/17/T--Mingdao--hard41.png)