Team:Valencia/Project

From 2011.igem.org

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Revision as of 12:05, 21 September 2011

Objectiu

The aim of our project is to create a biological alternative for the disinfection of contaminated water.

we intend to demonstrate the antimicrobial effectiveness of colicin G, colicin H and microcin C51. These proteins are produced and used naturally by the bacteria to compete with related bacteria killing them in a specific way.

The polypeptides activity is dependent on three-dimensional structure, based on it, we want to control their activity by changing the pH of the water, for this reason, we have been developing a cynechocystis study, which is capable of altering the pH as a result of its growth and proliferation.

to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from contaminated water, using our engineering knowledge, we have designed a system of pipes, membranes and pumps, allowing effectively and safely contaminated water disinfection.

Resultats

Competent cells lysed by the colicin H activity in a plate with Chrom ID medium.

Links a les diferents parts

Project / Experiment description

As Fig. shows , the prototype is split into two different functional parts, each one with a different culture inside a flask and the final part, a vessel that contains the water to purify:

[Poner numerous a cada element en dibujo] 1. Bacteriocin production system In this compartment, genetically modified E. Coli produce a specific bacteriocin. After some time of peptide synthesis, the entire culture medium, including the bacterias, is driven by a peristaltic pump into the Module of Bacteriocin Separation (MoBS). Once there, the flow is separated into two; most of it returns back to the original flask and a small amount of water passes the ultrafiltration membrane. This permeate is rich in bacteriocins and other small molecules that have gone through the membrane, where bacterias and other big molecules are not able to pass through the pores. After the membrane, the filtrated stream falls down through a small plastic funnel into the container that is full of contaminated water and needs to be disinfected.

2. pH stat The aim of this part, the controller of pH (CopH), is to regulate the pH during the disinfection process to ensure that peptides just work at the desired moment. For this, we use cyanobacteria that are able to raise the pH when they are illuminated. pH can reach high values (around 9) which inhibit the peptides activity. After some time under absence of light these cells can modify pH values to gain previous ones. In other words, once there are enough peptides in the final container to wipe out the target pathogen culture we can modify pH to active the peptides and start disinfection. The transient of protons to the final vessel is carried out by a dialysis membrane which keeps the cyanobacteria separated from the rest of the set-up.

3. Drink vessel It is the vessel containing the water with pathogens, where bacteriocins end up. Wait some time and

We encourage you to know more about how this prototype has been built picking up the different parts.

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-.	Introduction
+Project / Experiment description
-Every year iGEM comes up with dozens of projects with interesting applications, but few of them end up in a prototype. This year Valencia team has gone one step further building a scale prototype for a real application: disinfecting pathogens from water. The final design of our model has come after many hours struggling with ourselves in order to find the cleverest solution.
+As Fig. shows , the prototype is split into two different functional parts, each one with a different culture inside a flask and the final part, a vessel that contains the water to purify:
-The prototype and its corresponding final design fulfill several requisites:
+[Poner numerous a cada element en dibujo]
+.	Bacteriocin production system
+In this compartment, genetically modified E. Coli produce a specific bacteriocin. After some time of peptide synthesis, the entire culture medium, including the bacterias, is driven by a peristaltic pump into the Module of Bacteriocin Separation (MoBS). Once there, the flow is separated into two; most of it returns back to the original flask and a small amount of water passes the ultrafiltration membrane. This permeate is rich in bacteriocins and other small molecules that have gone through the membrane, where bacterias and other big molecules are not able to pass through the pores. After the membrane, the filtrated stream falls down through a small plastic funnel into the container that is full of contaminated water and needs to be disinfected.
-•	Safety – The most important requirement, it has to be safe for the users and the environment
+.	pH stat
-The team has worked much to avoid operating hazards and risk during construction. First, the corresponding safety measures for doing hardware work, like wearing gloves and using protection glasses were followed. Regarding the operation, it was decided to work with a 12 V energy supply, so there is no electroshock risk. Electrical cables have been protected and have been enough distantly kept from the water flasks. All other hazards related with biosafety have been explained in the corresponding biosafety section (poner link)
+The aim of this part, the controller of pH (CopH), is to regulate the pH during the disinfection process to ensure that peptides just work at the desired moment. For this, we use cyanobacteria that are able to raise the pH when they are illuminated. pH can reach high values (around 9) which inhibit the peptides activity. After some time under absence of light these cells can modify pH values to gain previous ones. In other words, once there are enough peptides in the final container to wipe out the target pathogen culture we can modify pH to active the peptides and start disinfection. The transient of protons to the final vessel is carried out by a dialysis membrane which keeps the cyanobacteria separated from the rest of the set-up.
-•	Cost – Economically accessible for the majority of the applications
-The total cost for out model is just 150 € (see list below)!
-•	Size – The dimensions of the apparatus need to be coherent with the disinfected volume and it is desirable to be able to transport it easily.
-The size of our prototype is 70 x 55 x 25 cm, it is easily portable in a suitcase and weighs 7 kg.
-•	Ease of use – No advance technical expertise to be required
-Once the cultures are prepared, there is no specific knowledge needed, just wait for clean water!
-•	Spare parts – The repair or replacement of failed parts should be simple and safe
-Most of the elements of our design can be easily found and quickly substituted.
-•	Autonomous – Renewable energy sources like photovoltaic power generation are ideal to obtain a sustainable supply of energy
+.	Drink vessel
-With the exception of cell cultures replacement after some time of use, the rest of the equipment can work alone if energy is supplied. With a total estimated energy consumption of 40 W, several renewable energy sources are adequate.
+It is the vessel containing the water with pathogens, where bacteriocins end up. Wait some time and
+We encourage you to know more about how this prototype has been built picking up the different parts.