University of Texas iGem 2018
Donation protected
The University of Texas international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2018 team is a group of undergraduate biologists with a focus on synthetic biology. In the past, we have worked to modify bacteria to measure the caffeine concentration in coffee, yield nutritional value to kombucha, and currently we are working on engineering bacteria that could be used to terraform mars or act as uv resistant sunscreen.
Each year, our team attends the iGEM Giant Jamboree in Boston, where we present our research to scientists from around the world. Our project this year is The Broad Host Range Kit, which is a kit that will allow scientists to modify unusual bacteria that are not widely used. Since Theodor Escherich discovered E. coli in 1886, it has become a staple model species for study in bioscience laboratories. The species’ natural resistances, resilience, and attributes made them ideal for growing in lab conditions. Although this focus on E. coli has aided in the rapid advancement in microbiology and synthetic biology, there remains a large gap in research regarding other non-model bacteria. Such organisms often exhibit unusual properties, which lead to little advancements made with them. The BHR Plasmid Kit seeks to destroy these barriers. Our kit will contain individual DNA parts components as well as fully assembled bacterial plasmids that are ready to be tested. Our hopes are to standardize genetic engineering for a broader range of bacteria, not just the few dozen that are commonly used.
The BHR Plasmid Kit is making an extensive catalog as to which genetic parts work in which species. Using these data, we are developing a standardized “kit” to help other labs work with non-model species. Such a kit would contain varieties of pre-assembled plasmids as well as their constituent parts. Through a series of design techniques and specialized parts, we can maximize the efficiency and ease-of-use of the kit.
Your donations will allow us to register for the conference, find lodging in Boston, and help to defray some of the costs of travel, such as transportation and food. We deeply appreciate your kindness.
Links to former projects:
1. http://2017.igem.org/Team:Austin_UTexas
2. http://2016.igem.org/Team:Austin_UTexas
Each year, our team attends the iGEM Giant Jamboree in Boston, where we present our research to scientists from around the world. Our project this year is The Broad Host Range Kit, which is a kit that will allow scientists to modify unusual bacteria that are not widely used. Since Theodor Escherich discovered E. coli in 1886, it has become a staple model species for study in bioscience laboratories. The species’ natural resistances, resilience, and attributes made them ideal for growing in lab conditions. Although this focus on E. coli has aided in the rapid advancement in microbiology and synthetic biology, there remains a large gap in research regarding other non-model bacteria. Such organisms often exhibit unusual properties, which lead to little advancements made with them. The BHR Plasmid Kit seeks to destroy these barriers. Our kit will contain individual DNA parts components as well as fully assembled bacterial plasmids that are ready to be tested. Our hopes are to standardize genetic engineering for a broader range of bacteria, not just the few dozen that are commonly used.
The BHR Plasmid Kit is making an extensive catalog as to which genetic parts work in which species. Using these data, we are developing a standardized “kit” to help other labs work with non-model species. Such a kit would contain varieties of pre-assembled plasmids as well as their constituent parts. Through a series of design techniques and specialized parts, we can maximize the efficiency and ease-of-use of the kit.
Your donations will allow us to register for the conference, find lodging in Boston, and help to defray some of the costs of travel, such as transportation and food. We deeply appreciate your kindness.
Links to former projects:
1. http://2017.igem.org/Team:Austin_UTexas
2. http://2016.igem.org/Team:Austin_UTexas
Fundraising team (2)
Bibiana Toro
Organizer
Austin, TX
Dennis Mishler
Beneficiary
Ryan Bailey
Team member
