IGEM:IMPERIAL/2009/Feedback

=Sunday 19th July 2009=

Project phases
Phase 1- Compound/threshold/detection Phase2-Encapsulation Phase 3- Killing strategy/gene deletion Phase 4- Storage Phase 5- Delivery
 * Chassis?
 * List of specifications
 * List spec
 * Pros and cons of each method
 * Polyglu
 * List spec
 * Mechanism:Double mechanism-fail safe
 * Sensing environment vs. timer
 * Short term vs. longterm
 * Application
 * Viability/stability
 * Application
 * Pros and cons

Research strategy suggestions

 * What is your interest?
 * Main stream press
 * Motivation: Search for current problems?
 * Find genes and compounds they code for
 * Interesting molecules
 * Recent
 * Exciting

Sunday 19th July

 * Shortlist
 * Apply to framework

Monday 20th July 10am

 * Go through everything
 * Assign key roles
 * Get details of what we are doing by the end of the day

=Tuesday 21st July 2009=

Presentation Session Feedback
Need a project overview Presentation does not follow the engineering process - need 2-3 slides focusing on this PKU - there is a real problem/real emotional message to get across - is a novel application! Focus on one application with the method being compatible to other applications
 * Prof:

Need details of the enzyme - where it works - where the conversion occurs etc. What is the recommendation per module?! - Need a summary after each
 * Advisor:

More modelling - Have the PKU pathway
 * Prof:

How to trigger encapsulation process? How feasible is the killing strategy?
 * Prof:

Which track are we aiming to enter? How close is this to previous projects? Need something that actually works with results - killing strategy - encapsulation
 * Prof:

Match the thresholds and sensitivities - can be done - use GFP reporter with an optical read out?
 * Prof:

Produce 2 chassis/cells? Explore module, get genes, find existing bacillus/E.coli chassis, one with a good coat formation and one that can produce the drug.
 * Advisor:

Create new self encapsulation module Take out the biological pathway and place in Bacillus Drill down Make sure it’s quality controlled before consumption
 * Prof:

Be brutal in testing the risk for each module Try to order parts ASAP - waiting time should not be a limiting factor Come on a lot since Friday - got bones of a good project - like idea of modules
 * Prof:

Write a high level specification page (case study almost?!) Look at an E.coli apoptotic mechanism - there is one
 * Advisor:

What about the proteases?! - Use protein deficient strain? Still a lot of yes/no points we need to sort out
 * Prof:

Deadline for BioBrick design: Friday

What is the critical path in the project?
 * Prof & Advisor:

Amalyse, protease, lipase deficiency? Enzyme deficiencies in the gut Need the pros and cons of different applications - where are they on they wiki? - convince what you want to pick is feasible/efficient - what are the mechanisms (existing) - why do we need the enzyme? - regulation, control, how does it know what/how much to make? - give details, details, details!
 * Prof: