Device

We design a device to measure concentration of a pollutant in water. We focus on mercury for the real application but we also plan to test the concept with harmless molecule: tetracyclin.

The device we conceived is rectangular shape, thin, light and very cheap. It is made of machined polycarbonate. Vertical channel are engraved in the plastic. Below is a photography of a test prototype. This prototype was made to test what depth we have to choose for the channel to the coloration to be visible.

In each channel there is specific chemical environnement. A range of IPTG concentration is set on the device.

To use the device we just have to spread poluted water on it and wait for the result. Below is an illustration of how we observe results using the measurement device. One channel become red, the location give us the amount of mercury in the water.

A sample preparation phase is needed. In fact mercury is generally not in ionic form in nature. It's generally complexed with others ions or for much of the amount of mercury it forms organometalics compound. It is because some bacteria metabolize Hg 2+ and transform it in methyl-mercury. This organic compound is eaten by fish. And fish is eaten by men. That's why mercury is so poisonous.

The device is disposable. When test is performed autoclave it.

iGEM 2011 Main Page Contact Us: Clic here !