Team:FDR-HB Peru/Contribution
[ Contribution ]
Contribution
Hardware
Original Purpose
Last year we sought to create a bioassay that could be used by fishermen to detect different cadmium levels on boats. In order for this bioassay to work we had to take several things into account; the bioassay had to rotate and heat the bacteria to create an optimal environment, it had to be portable, and easy to operate on a boat. This bioassay would work by adding blended fish to test tubes that had our cadmium detection bacteria and then incubating the bacteria so that it could show the amount of cadmium present in the blended fish. We had some concerns regarding the biosafety of this bioassay, since fishermen would be managing bacteria while in the ocean.
What We Changed and Why.
Using a 3D printer and a laser-cutter we were able to create a bioassay for the detection of Cadmium in fishmeal for under roughly $40. However, at the iGEM Jamboree of 2019, we came across a new cell-free system, a mechanism where our synthetic biology work would be put into a tube that has the parts of a cell needed to make protein instead of bacteria. On June 3, 2020, we took this idea to our meeting with TASA, a global exporter of fishmeal and one of our collaborators. There we discussed how we could implement this cell-free system as a “dipstick” that detects concentrations of cadmium. After receiving feedback and input from TASA we decided to shift from our previous bioassay towards a cell-free system due to the advantages it posed. For starters, there would be less concern regarding regulations or contamination since it would not use living organisms; this makes it easier to educate the fishermen on its use and how to handle this mechanism. The detection of cadmium would also be simpler as the paper “dipstick” would turn red if it exceeds 2 ppm of cadmium found in the sample which is the concentration at which it becomes harmful.
Shortcomings
Last year we sought to create a bioassay that could be used by fishermen to detect different cadmium levels on boats. In order for this bioassay to work, we had to take several things into account; the bioassay had to rotate and heat the bacteria to create an optimal environment, it had to be portable, and easy to operate on a boat. This bioassay would work by adding blended fish to test tubes that had our cadmium detection bacteria and then incubating the bacteria so that it could show the amount of cadmium present in the blended fish. We had some concerns regarding the biosafety of this bioassay since fishermen would be managing bacteria while in the ocean.
Synthetic Biology Engineering
New Documentation to an Existing Part
