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Team:Imperial College London/Project Overview
From 2009.igem.org
Project Overview
The inspiration behind The E.ncapsulator was the inherent difficulty in delivering protein pharmaceuticals to the gut. Due to the delicate nature of proteins and the highly acidic environment present in the stomach, protein molecules are readily broken down - making oral drug delivery of protein pharmaceuticals impossible.
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 active modules. These are as follows:
- Module 1: Protein Production
- The first module involves engineering E.coli to synthesise the protein drug of interest to sufficient quantities.
- The first module involves engineering E.coli to synthesise the protein drug of interest to sufficient quantities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Module 3: Genome Deletion
- The third module, genome deletion, is composed of a ‘suicide trigger’ mechanism that destroys the genetic material of the bacteria.
- The third module, genome deletion, is composed of a ‘suicide trigger’ mechanism that destroys the genetic material of the bacteria.
- 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.
