Team:Groningen/Template/MODULE/project/MBD

Modeling is an important tool used for understanding the behavior of variables without testing it in real time. From designing small genetic circuits to space shuttles, modeling plays a pivotal role. In our case, modeling is the backbone of our project. The main focus of the modeling in this project lies in aiding the development of the actual prototype. The results from modeling should help the design of a bandage that detects pathogens in burnwounds and secretes molecules that either kill- or inhibit growth of these pathogens. Key here is the ability to produce nisin, DspB and AHLase upon sensing quorum molecules from the pathogens. In order to provide useful information to the ‘material’-people in our team, we made a first model that shows how nisin, DspB and AHLase are produced by L. lactis and diffuse through the bandage. By using this model, we can estimate which of six possible designs (LINK) is the best. Awesome! The ‘why modeling’-question has been answered, let’s show its actual use! Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the two pathogens that cause most infections in burn wounds. The aim of our project is to design a smart bandage that can produce Infection Prevention Molecules (IPMs) only in the presence of these two pathogens. This kind of bandage will reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance by reducing the amount of antibiotics applied to the wound. The IPMs are produced by our genetically modified Lactococcus lactis. These bacteria are fixed in the hydrogel. It is key that the molecules produced by L. lactis reach the infected wound. Understanding the nuances that are associated with the diffusion of IPMs is therefore important for us. To start with actual modeling, we will first give an overview of the parameters involved in the modeling.