Microcystin, a toxin released by specific cyanobacteria, is harmful to mammals due to its ability in binding to the PP1 protein and ceasing its operation. ToxiMop uses this binding feature and aims to integrate the PP1 protein into a bacterial cell to mop up the toxin. An example of this was at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when 10, 000 people were hired to clean up the algae in time for the sailing regatta. The current detection process takes approximately 24 hours. The team’s aim is to reduce this to 1 hour.
The benefit of Teamwork
What comes to people's mind when they hear the word, 'Synthetic biology'? Many people don't know what it is, or have an ambiguous image that it is something dangerous. Synthetic biology is not about the un-natural, think of it as playing with the Universe's lego kit. Building with what is already here, we try to create something better..
Dry Lab
Craig Johnston
Field: Mathematics Team: Dry team Role: Mathematical modelling Aspirations: To develop mathematical models that help enhance the understanding of the biology in our toximop project.
Kyle Harrison
Field: Applied Computing Team: Dry team Role: Software Development / Design Aspirations: Applying software development techniques, design principles, and methodologies to real applications.
Rachel Findlay
Field: Mathematical Biology Team: Dry team Role: Mathematical Modelling Aspirations: Experience in relating mathematical models to biological concepts and constructing relevant models.
Nasir Ahmad
Field: Physics Team: Dry team Role: Hardware Designer / Modelling Aspirations: Gain knowledge in microbiology & applying existing knowledge in new and interesting ways.
Wet Lab
Ewa Grabowiecka
Field: Microbiology Team: Wet team Role: Microcystin Sensor Aspirations: Build an efficient Microcystin Mop.
Philip Rodger
Field: Molecular Biology Team: Wet team Role: Microcystin Detector Aspirations: Designing a microcystin detector by modifying existing E.coli and B.subtilis.
John Allan
Field: Microbiology Team: Wet team Role: Microcystin Sensor Aspirations: Succesfully clone a microcystin receptor & express this in bacterial cells improving existing detection methods.
Alice Rowan
Field: Biomedical Sciences Team: Wet team Role: Microcystin Sensor Aspirations: I hope to develop a biological mop to reduce microcystin levels in freshwater systems.
Chris Earl
Field: Molecular Biology Team: Wet team Role: Microcystin Sensor Aspirations: Succesfully clone microcystin receptors and express these in bacterial cells.
Kyle Buchan
Field: Molecular Biology Team: Wet team Role: Microbiology Specialist Aspirations: Achieve a higher understanding and appreciation for the field of synthetic biology as a whole, &gaining valuable lab experience.
Supervisors
Prof Tracy Palmer
Field: Microbiology Role: Supervisor - Instructor for biological experiments Aspirations:
Prof Frank Sargent
Field: Microbiology Role: Supervisor Aspirations:
Dr Fordyce Davidson
Field: Mathmatics Role: Supervisor Aspirations:
Dr Lionel Dupuy
Field: Mathmatics Role: Supervisor Aspirations:
Advisors & Volunteers
Lucia Licandro
Field: Microbiology Role: Advisor Aspirations:
Richard Owens
Field: Microbiology Role: Advisor Aspirations:
Cian McNabola
Field: Games Design Role: Mascot Design - Volunteer Aspirations: .
Darryl Johnson
Field: Graphics Design Role: Logo Design - Volunteer Aspirations: