Difference between revisions of "Team:Calgary/Randys Cell"
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Developing a diagnostic test appeared to be a daunting task… and definitely was. We began by investigating current methods used to diagnose Vitamin A deficiency. It turned out that it was largely based upon clinical signs. | Developing a diagnostic test appeared to be a daunting task… and definitely was. We began by investigating current methods used to diagnose Vitamin A deficiency. It turned out that it was largely based upon clinical signs. | ||
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| − | Some diagnostic tests existed, but had serious limitations. One of the most prevalent methods is the modified relative dose response test (MRDR). Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, a single blood test is not indicative of vitamin A deficiency. The MRDR attempts to bypass this limitation by administering a test dose to elicit a response from the liver. This biological response is then compared to the initial test dose by taking a blood sample, which can then elucidate the liver reserves of Vitamin A, and ultimately, vitamin A deficiency. | + | </p> |
| + | <p>Some diagnostic tests existed, but had serious limitations. One of the most prevalent methods is the modified relative dose response test (MRDR). Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, a single blood test is not indicative of vitamin A deficiency. The MRDR attempts to bypass this limitation by administering a test dose to elicit a response from the liver. This biological response is then compared to the initial test dose by taking a blood sample, which can then elucidate the liver reserves of Vitamin A, and ultimately, vitamin A deficiency. | ||
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| + | </p> | ||
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The Randle cell intends to operate on the same working principle as the MRDR. However, to bypass the requirement of expensive lab analysis, the Randle Cell Testing Device uses impedance-based analysis. | The Randle cell intends to operate on the same working principle as the MRDR. However, to bypass the requirement of expensive lab analysis, the Randle Cell Testing Device uses impedance-based analysis. | ||
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Revision as of 03:36, 21 October 2020
OVERVIEW
Supporting VAD mitigation through testing
Add stuff here
INSPIRATION
Why did we do it?
With Oviita beginning to form a congruent project, we began to look for real communities that might benefit from its implementation. However, talking to researchers and not-for-profit organizations, it became apparent that there was a lack of community specific data on vitamin A deficiency. Decision makers needed more data to make informed decisions on intervention. Inspired by low-cost, electrochemical detection circuits, the Randle Cell Circuit was born. To help illuminate the true scope of vitamin A deficiency, we decided to develop a point-of-care diagnostic test for Vitamin A deficiency.
In order to provide a sustainable, community-based solution, we plan to genetically modify Rhodosporidium toruloides, an oleaginous yeast that naturally produces beta-carotene and lipids, to be more robust and resource-efficient. By modifying the yeast to produce cellulase, it can then use common agricultural waste products as an energy source for synthesizing its oil. It can then be eaten as a vitamin A supplement. The yeast strain, while naturally safe and non-pathogenic, will also be genetically modified to include a kill switch for bio-containment, and optimized for oil production.
METHODOLOGY
How did we do it?
Developing a diagnostic test appeared to be a daunting task… and definitely was. We began by investigating current methods used to diagnose Vitamin A deficiency. It turned out that it was largely based upon clinical signs.
Some diagnostic tests existed, but had serious limitations. One of the most prevalent methods is the modified relative dose response test (MRDR). Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, a single blood test is not indicative of vitamin A deficiency. The MRDR attempts to bypass this limitation by administering a test dose to elicit a response from the liver. This biological response is then compared to the initial test dose by taking a blood sample, which can then elucidate the liver reserves of Vitamin A, and ultimately, vitamin A deficiency.
The Randle cell intends to operate on the same working principle as the MRDR. However, to bypass the requirement of expensive lab analysis, the Randle Cell Testing Device uses impedance-based analysis.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Thoughtful design of experiments
In order to provide a sustainable, community-based solution, we plan to genetically modify Rhodosporidium toruloides, an oleaginous yeast that naturally produces beta-carotene and lipids, to be more robust and resource-efficient. By modifying the yeast to produce cellulase, it can then use common agricultural waste products as an energy source for synthesizing its oil. It can then be eaten as a vitamin A supplement. The yeast strain, while naturally safe and non-pathogenic, will also be genetically modified to include a kill switch for bio-containment, and optimized for oil production.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Next Steps
In order to provide a sustainable, community-based solution, we plan to genetically modify Rhodosporidium toruloides, an oleaginous yeast that naturally produces beta-carotene and lipids, to be more robust and resource-efficient. By modifying the yeast to produce cellulase, it can then use common agricultural waste products as an energy source for synthesizing its oil. It can then be eaten as a vitamin A supplement. The yeast strain, while naturally safe and non-pathogenic, will also be genetically modified to include a kill switch for bio-containment, and optimized for oil production.
