Idea 6/11

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Revision as of 06:18, 3 July 2006

Calcite/Calcium Phosphate Project (Idea 6/11)

Aim To create a 3D structure in a defined area using bacteria which can precipitate out a calcium compound.

Background

Possible Methods If one colony lays down a substrate for a phosphatase enzyme, this could be the chemoattractant for a second colony to move in and start converting it into calcium phosphate.

1. INPUT [UV] --> OUTPUT [glycerol phosphate]

2. INPUT [Glycerol phosphate and UV]--> OUTPUT [phosphatase]

Input of glycerol phosphate and UV to colony two ensures phosphatase activity is only in the place where we want calcium phosphate to be deposited.

OR, Simpler, initial colony makes phosphatase straight away. Could also use urease to make calcite precipitate.

Problems If two colonies are used then colony two has to be able to get to colony one. Maybe colony one could be non-motile and colony two motile?

How will the Calcium compound be restricted to only the areas activated? It could diffuse around the area and lose the original pattern.

Can colony one be made to secrete a glycerol phosphate?

Parts Required

UV responsive sensor

glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis gene (periplasmic/outer membrane?)

glycerol-3-phosphatase/urease protein coding gene

Experiments Required

1. Making sure E. coli can cause calcium compounds to precipitate. Urease hydrolyses urea to form ammonia and carbon dioxide.
2. Finding out how long it takes.
3. Measuring the diffusion away from the defined area of the calcium precipitation.

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