IGEM:Harvard/2007/Brainstorming/405

Project Ideas from Second Meeting (04/05/07)
Additional notes added by Stephanie; please contact her with questions.

- Though sequence complementary is necessary, which allows little variation in that region, the rest of the RNA might differ - The RNA acts as a "key" to release the lock; only when both are present, allows for expression - This can allow for creation of networks, if the expression "unlocked" is for another key - Monitored by Red Fluorescent Protein, experimentally - Advantage = fast response - Can be used for either activation or inhibition - Suggestion: look into the Duke group: human encryption
 * Selection mechanisms for key/lock riboregulators (see 2006 Berkeley Project)


 * Biofuel & light sensitive proton pump (see background reading #3) (Pseudomonas Putida for exportation of short chain alkanes)

- Bacteria that can extract energy from sugars in blood and convert these to electricity - Question posed: how often do the devices need energy? A: Depends on specific devices - Related idea: implantable devices that release, or even synthesize, drugs
 * Powering medical devices
 * Artificial cells

- High tolerance to many saturated alkanes (can we get it to form octane?) - Issue: export vs. metabolism
 * Use of psuedomonas putida? (bacterial strain)


 * Quorum sensing and biofilms


 * Mirror image proteins


 * Nonribosomal synthesis of proteins


 * Radon sensor (practical considerations of working with Radon)

Short discussion of project logistics: rather than attempting to tackle multiple projects at once (as we will tend to be overambitious!), perhaps we can propose a sequence of experiments that we would like to attempt over the summer. We should treat these as 'checkpoints' and finish one before proceeding to the next.