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From 2011.igem.org

Control of Dispersal- Intro

Light is a ubiquitous feature of nature; it is a fundamental aspect of life on Earth, from driving photosynthesis in plants to allowing sight in humans. It is also an indispensable tool in the engineering of biological pathways.

The DISColi project aims to capitalize on light in the control of circuits which allow the modular construction of valuable products. In contrast to other potential response-inducers, such as temperature or chemicals, light has the ability to be finely adjusted and target very specific areas at very high resolution (100 megapixels per square inch as demonstrated by UT Austin '05 Coliroid). Unlike chemicals such as arabinose, lactose, IPTG and x-gal which are commonly used to induce gene expression, light is a non-invasive option to precisely induce transcription of the desired gene without heavily stressing the cell.

The wide-ranging spectrum of wavelengths which constitute light offer innumerable possibilities to the user; with a simple and inexpensive set-up including a light-source and a filter, one is capable of fine tuning which wavelength is used. In tandem with a variety of different light-dependent devices, this system allows for precise control over what the desired outcome will be. Light can also yield high resolution results, meaning an enhanced formation of 2D pictures and bio-photolithographic devices.