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Team:UCL London/Project/Vision
From 2009.igem.org
The vision is to be able to design and create an internal sensing system; which will detect any particular changes for a specific parameter. The cells will then be able to signal and change certain internal conditions themselves. Instead of having to change the macro-environment of the cells (which is the fermenter), the cells can then change their micro-environment by using their internal sensing system.
Disadvantages of previous techniques used at present:
1. Some parameters may have longer response time due to e.g the translation of the GFP or the reaction time of the operator.
2. Many different signal molecules can cause confusion in the cell and in the fermenter
A self induced system used in monitoring growth phase. When it starts sensing the cells stop growing, this signal will induce the protein production instead of using an inducing agent, which may affect the growth of the cells.
Below is a process flow sheet describing the present way of detecting changes in oxygen for example.
Below is a process flow sheet entailing the future of internal sensing systems.
Advantages of the internal sensing system.
1. Removes the need to change the macro-environment of the cells in order to change the micro-environment of the cells.
2. Sensor will indicate deceleration phase of the growth of the cells.
3. Able to reduce transcription/translation depending on the amount the cell can cope with.
4. Human error reduced as the need of an operator is eradiated
