IGEM:IMPERIAL/2009/Specifications

=Specifications=

Module 1

 * Produce an enzyme (protein)
 * How much? How long for? (GFP as a reporter gene?)
 * Be able to control/regulate
 * Cell proliferation?
 * Inducible
 * Do not secrete out of cell
 * Switch off once desired compound is produced

Module 2

 * Induce encapsulation
 * Adequate mechanical/chemical deposition (bacterial control)
 * Acid resistance (has to bypass stomach - capsule composition)
 * Release in small intestine (module 5 delivery)
 * Non toxic
 * Be able to control & regulate; thickness, uniformity
 * Time taken for encapsulation to take place (want ‘fast’ encapsulation)

Module 3

 * 100% killing (high as possible killing rate)
 * What is the probability of survival? (how do we know it has worked?)
 * Failsafe mechanism (use timer?) vs double killing mechanism
 * Do not want proteases to degrade our product
 * Destruction of cell membrane? (to release our product)
 * Non-toxic, fast, reliable
 * when do we want to induce killing? Run in parallel? Overlap? Timer?
 * how to induce? Light? Timer? Can’t be chemical

Timer
-delay timer for fail safe?
 * Accurate
 * pre-set (decide time to preset)
 * module 1 → module 2
 * module 2 → module 3
 * module 5??

Compound
Ranking 1-3; most important(1) to least important (3).
 * Sequence available 1
 * Expertise/equipment available in College 1
 * Stable - know production vs. degradation rates 2
 * Compatible with available chassis 1
 * Genes/pathway known 1
 * Enzyme - specificity? Single enzyme, no crosstalk 1
 * Functions in gut temp./environment. Survives and is absorbed 1
 * No existing cheap solution → want advantage / benefit 1
 * Optimum level/ dose control → does it naturally oscillate with the day? 1
 * Impact, appeal, wow factor, high profile 2
 * Not covered by previous iGEM teams 3

Provisional Flowchart
Currently under construction: