Team:SouthBendMishawakaIN

From 2012hs.igem.org

Revision as of 02:31, 17 June 2012 by EmeraldPenguin (Talk | contribs)
Topper Home.jpg


Welcome to the Homepage of the
DNA Architects
SouthBend MishawakaIN


Home
Project
Notebook
Safety
Model
Parts
Sponsors

Abstract


Millions of people worldwide are exposed to toxic levels of arsenic through contaminated drinking water. In last year’s project, we began the development of an E. coli-based arsenic biosensor using an arsenic-induced promoter from the Registry (K190015). Like the Groningen Team, we found that this promoter is “leaky,” having a constant low level of activity. We explored ways of reducing background activity to improve the sensitivity of our device. We have built and characterized biosensors using K190015 and a number of chemiluminescence generators from Vibrio fisheri and two species of fireflies. In order to standardize our biosensor we have designed and built a simple luminometer. Paired with our device, this can be used to inexpensively and rapidly detect arsenic in water, even by people in underdeveloped parts of the world.