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Team:Glasgow/Project
From 2011.igem.org
Project Summary
Biofilms are ubiquitous in many areas of life; whether industrial, medical, or natural. Frequently their presence has undesirable, or even detrimental effects.
We aim to investigate the spontaneous formation of biofilms and use the knowledge we gain through our research to alter the behavior of cells within an established biofilm using light of different wavelengths.
== Overall project ==
The DISColi project aims to design and construct a novel bio-photolithographic system for the engineering of biofilms into functional 2D and 3D structures and devices in response to different patterns and wavelengths of light. In this project we worked with light responsive promoters, a novel biofilm-forming synthetic biology chassis, E. coli Nissle 1917, and novel biobricks including several designed for biofilm dispersal and fluorescent reporters with wider utility than GFP. The main aims of our project can be separated into three light-controlled components: the designed sculpting of biofilms; 3D printing for encapsulation of cells; and the controlled modular synthesis of a variety of products. We expect this technology to have applications for material synthesis and compound manufacture in remote locations, for example outer space.>br/>
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