Project Overview

Modularity is key to the design of The E.ncapsulator. In order to simplify the system, and to increase reusability, the system has been divided into 3 main modules. These are as follows:

1. Module 1: Protein Production

• The first module involves engineering E.coli to synthesise the protein drug of interest to sufficient quantities.

1. Module 2: Encapsulation

• E.coli coats itself in a protective layer of colanic acid to form the E.ncapsulator. This protective capsule is what shields the biopharmaceutical against the harsh acidic environment of the stomach.

1. Module 3: Genome Deletion

• The third module, genome deletion, is composed of a ‘suicide trigger’ mechanism that destroys the genetic material of the bacteria.

1. Release

• Once in the small intestine, the capsule will be naturally degraded by enzymes present, thereby releasing the designed biopharmaceutical to the gut micro biota where it can carry out its intended function.