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iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

We are an undergraduate Synthetic Biology team seeking to make a hydrogen gas biosensor.

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iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

iGEM Macquarie Hydrogen Biosensor

We are an undergraduate Synthetic Biology team seeking to make a hydrogen gas biosensor.

We are an undergraduate Synthetic Biology team seeking to make a hydrogen gas biosensor.

We are an undergraduate Synthetic Biology team seeking to make a hydrogen gas biosensor.

We are an undergraduate Synthetic Biology team seeking to make a hydrogen gas biosensor.

Carly Carter
Carly Carter
Carly Carter
Carly Carter
1 Campaign |
Sydney, Australia
$1,617 USD $1,617 USD 20 backers
8% of $18,808 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Choose your Perk
Overview
Due to hydrogen gases properties of being odourless, colourless and explosive at small amounts in air (4%), a reliable and accurate sensor for the detection of leaks is necessary. Current hydrogen sensors have a number of drawbacks such as, high operating temperatures of >200 °C. A synthetically engineered hydrogen biosensor would solve these issues as it would have enhanced selectivity due to the enzymes inherent specificity, and would be able to function at ambient temperatures.

Short Summary

This biosensor will consist of two parts: 
1. A sensory Nickel Iron class hydrogenase taken from Magnetospirillum magneticum. This will sense H2 and produce cyclic-di-GMP phosphodiesterase. 
2. A Cyclic-di-GMP riboswitch which controls the transcription of a fluorophore (eGFP) as the reporter. 

During transcription cyclic-di-GMP binds to riboswitch, creating a terminator loop that stops eGFP from being transcribed. In the presence of H2 the NiFe 2c hydrogenase produces cyclic-di-GMP phosphodiesterase, removing the terminator loop from the riboswitch allowing transcription and subsequent translation of eGFP. The riboswitch terminator only forms when cyclic-di-GMP is bound to its aptamer so when combined with the sensory system, hydrogen gas will be detectable and measurable. 

The Impact

The impacts of hydrogen biosensors will be diverse and plentiful. These could potentially include: 

-Use in alternative fuels and as a result aid in the fight against climate change

-Use in laboratory and other workplace scenarios as an alternative detection method for hydrogen leaks, which is a huge safety concern

-Cheap and re-usable alternative to currently used hydrogen sensors, which are usually made out of rare materials such as palladium or platinum

 

What We Need & What You Get

In order to allow our team to compete in the Giant Jamboree Conference in November, we aim to raise funds for at least five students to attend. Currently, it costs $4,000 for one student to attend, including a $1,000 individual registration fee. 

Any financial contribution you can make towards this will be greatly appreciated, and donations above $500 will be recognised as shown. 

At the Conference, sponsors can gain international exposure, since iGEM is the largest synthetic biology gathering globally. Sponsors can also interact with the upcoming high-achieving graduates and their academics. 

All sponsors will receive a post-event summary report and certificate. Our team would be very grateful to receive your support.

There are four tiers of sponsorship available as detailed below:

 

BRONZE TIER SPONSOR: Donations between $500-$999

  • Company logo on all print promotions 
  • Company logo and website link on our iGEM wiki sponsors page 
  • Acknowledgements on our official social media pages

 

SILVER TIER SPONSOR: Donations between $1000-$4999

You will receive everything detailed in the bronze tier as well as 

  • Company logo on front page of our iGEM wiki
  • Company logo on the back of all team T-shirts worn during events
  • Verbal acknowledgement of sponsorship on lead up to the Giant Jamboree conference 

 

GOLD TIER SPONSOR: Donations between $5000-$7499

You will receive everything detailed in the silver tier as well as

  • Company logo on the front of all team T-shirts worn during events
  • Advertised as a major sponsor during press releases, print promotions and conferences 

 

PLATINUM TIER SPONSOR: Donations at $7500+

You will receive everything detailed in the gold tier as well as

  • Personal tour of our lab and research facilities 
  • Framed photograph of our team

 

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word about our campaign and the powers of synthetic biology! 

Follow our socials to keep up to date with our lab work. 

Facebook: iGEM Macquarie 2019

Instagram: igem_macquarie2019

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