Team:IIT Madras/Human practices

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<h1><u>Human Practices</u></h1><p><img style="float:right" style="position:relative;left:-20px" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/5/5b/Poster2011.jpg" width="250" height="300"/>
<h1><u>Human Practices</u></h1><p><img style="float:right" style="position:relative;left:-20px" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/5/5b/Poster2011.jpg" width="250" height="300"/>
<H2><u><b>A safe screening technique</b></u></H2>
<H2><u><b>A safe screening technique</b></u></H2>
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Through our project we propose a light-based transformant screening technique. This technique uses a vector designed by our team, pREX525, wherein the Antibiotic resistance gene is replaced by Green-light absorbing Proteorhodopsin. The stress used for screening is the substrate limitation in minimal media, and the survival advantage is the ability to use light as an energy source.<br/><br/>
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We propose a light-based transformant screening technique in our project. This technique uses a vector designed by our team, pREX525, wherein the Antibiotic resistance gene is replaced by Green-light absorbing Proteorhodopsin. The stress used for screening is the substrate limitation in minimal media, and the survival advantage is the ability to use light as an energy source.<br/><br/>
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We propose that the light-based screening can replace antibiotics based screening. The problems with antibiotics based screening include
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Antibiotic Resistance gene has been conventionally in use for screening for transformants in cloning. Dependence on antibiotic, which are chemical toxins has the following well established disadvantages.
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<li>Horizontal gene transfer of Antibiotic Resistance gene, which can contribute to Drug resistance</li>
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1. Horizontal gene transfer of Antibiotic Resistance gene, which can contribute to Drug resistance
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<li>Risk of spread of Antibiotic resistance/tolerance among the bacterial flora</li>
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2. Risk of spread of Antibiotic resistance/tolerance among the bacterial flora
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<li>Release of Antibiotics, which are essentially toxins, into the environment</li>
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3. Release of Antibiotics, which are essentially toxins, into the environment
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<br/><br/>
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Light based screening minimizes these risks. With a futuristic approach, wherein synthetic biology can be completely toxin free, we recommend using light-based screening vector, for cloning and screening.
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Due to these disadvantages, we discourage antibiotic based screening and propose an alternative Light based screening, which is clean and safe. The chemical input for this technique, other than the media itself, is Retinal, which is a safe molecule, and can be bio-synthesized and also degraded endogenously. Using the LED based lighting system we designed, we can make modifications to existing bioreactors and incubators to adapt to the light-dependent screening at the lab and industrial levels.
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<br/>We hope that in the near future, synthetic biology is more toxin-free and cleaner, using our light based screening technique.
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<br/> <br/>  
<H2><u><b>Spreading the word</b></u></H2>
<H2><u><b>Spreading the word</b></u></H2>
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As synthetic biology is a less talked about research field in India, IIT Madras team held a poster presentation on the projects it is involved in synthetic biology. The presentation was at the Research Expo in Shaastra 2011 which had a footfall of about 60,000 students/scientists from the country. Research Expo was basically a research poster presentation for ongoing projects in the country. <br/> <br/>  
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To encourage the scientists, engineers and researchers to apply their minds to Synthetic biology, we presented our project at the "Research Expo", an exhibit for innovative projects from around the country, which had an audience of about 60,000 students, young researchers, engineers, biology enthusiasts and senior scientists.<br/> <br/>  
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/d/d2/Hp1.JPG" width="200" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT"/>
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/d/d2/Hp1.JPG" width="200" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT"/>
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/2/21/Hp2.JPG" width="200" height="150" ALIGN="CENTER"/>
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2011/2/21/Hp2.JPG" width="200" height="150" ALIGN="CENTER"/>

Revision as of 23:11, 5 October 2011

bar iGEM 2011 - Home Page Indian Institute of Technology - Madras





Human Practices

A safe screening technique

We propose a light-based transformant screening technique in our project. This technique uses a vector designed by our team, pREX525, wherein the Antibiotic resistance gene is replaced by Green-light absorbing Proteorhodopsin. The stress used for screening is the substrate limitation in minimal media, and the survival advantage is the ability to use light as an energy source.

Antibiotic Resistance gene has been conventionally in use for screening for transformants in cloning. Dependence on antibiotic, which are chemical toxins has the following well established disadvantages.
  • Horizontal gene transfer of Antibiotic Resistance gene, which can contribute to Drug resistance
  • Risk of spread of Antibiotic resistance/tolerance among the bacterial flora
  • Release of Antibiotics, which are essentially toxins, into the environment


    • Due to these disadvantages, we discourage antibiotic based screening and propose an alternative Light based screening, which is clean and safe. The chemical input for this technique, other than the media itself, is Retinal, which is a safe molecule, and can be bio-synthesized and also degraded endogenously. Using the LED based lighting system we designed, we can make modifications to existing bioreactors and incubators to adapt to the light-dependent screening at the lab and industrial levels.
    We hope that in the near future, synthetic biology is more toxin-free and cleaner, using our light based screening technique.

    Spreading the word

    To encourage the scientists, engineers and researchers to apply their minds to Synthetic biology, we presented our project at the "Research Expo", an exhibit for innovative projects from around the country, which had an audience of about 60,000 students, young researchers, engineers, biology enthusiasts and senior scientists.

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