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| - | <!--A) Tolerance Maximisation<br> | + | </html> |
| - | Part A aims to report the DCM concentrations tolerated by various bacteria, which is crucial for development, design, and modelling of our DCMation system.<br>
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| - | We will first confirm the previously reported tolerance of DCM concentration by M. extorquens. To explore the possibility of using the more lab-friendly E. coli and P. putida strains in the DCMation system, we will also test their tolerance towards DCM.<br>
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| - | We will also attempt to evolve the tolerance of M. extorquens, E. coli, and P. putida to DCM and its metabolic products.
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| - | B) Biosensor Development<br>
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| - | Part B aims to characterise the dcmR/A regulatory system through a combination of modelling and genetic engineering, as well as developing a biosensor for DCM.<br>
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| - | The gene responsible for DCM metabolism, dcmA, is regulated by an adjacent gene, dcmR. As this system is currently poorly characterised, our project will establish whether dcmR acts as a repressor or activator. Furthermore, by isolating the upstream region of dcmA, we will determine the as of yet unknown binding site of dcmR.<br>
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| - | In order to test the above, we are constructing a DCM biosensor consisting of a translational fusion between dcmR and mCherry.<br><br>
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| - | C) Catalysis Optimisation<br>
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| - | Part C aims to improve the efficiency of the DCMation system by improving the catalytic efficiency of dcmA and expanding the system into more lab-friendly bacterial strains.<br>
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| - | In order to test for the presence of dcmA, we will optimise a previously reported assay. An attempt will then be made to improve the catalytic efficiency of dcmA by directed evolution.<br>
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| - | In order to further explore the possibility of using E. coli and P. putida in the DCMation system, we will express microcompartments in these strains. DCM metabolism has been reported to be toxic to strains other than M. extorquens, so by targeting dcmA into the microcompartments, we are hoping to reduce and contain the buildup of genotoxic intermediates.
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| - | D) System Development<br>
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| - | Part D aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application by development of a novel chemical system.<br>
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| - | We are designing and synthesising a biopolymer to coat bacteria-containing agarose beads. This cellulose-based polymer will act as DCM diffusion barrier that accommodates the tolerance of the bacteria to DCM. To limit any potential contamination threats by the DCMation system, we will also attempt to adjust the pore size of the biopolymer such that the bacteria are contained within the coated beads.
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| - | [1] MacIsaac, Julia, et al. "Fatalities due to dichloromethane in paint strippers: A continuing problem." American journal of industrial medicine 56.8 (2013): 907-910.
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Chlorinated solvents are indispensable to industry, research and household applications. Their accumulation in water supplies and carcinogenic properties present a major environmental and health hazard.
OxiGEM are tackling the issue by developing a bioremediation/detection kit to dispose of the common chlorinated solvent dichloromethane (DCM). Our system design, inspired by the DCM-degradation pathway of M. extorquens DM4, is initiated and refined by the dialogue between modeling simulations and experimental data. Incorporation of novel diffusion-limiting biopolymeric beads to encapsulate engineered bacteria ensures safe and efficient DCM degradation.
We are constructing a synthetic fluorescent biosensor through GFP fusion to the dcmA promoter, regulated by the DCM-binding protein, DcmR, and maximising the sensitivity and catalytic efficiency of the system through directed evolution.
Our DCM clean-up solution, branded ‘DCMation’, will be user-friendly in a wide range of workplaces and extendable to the disposal of many other harmful substrates.
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