From 2014.igem.org
Team:IvyTech SouthBend IN/Templates/Navigationbar
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Welcome!
We are Team Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-South Bend!
Please click on banner links to learn more about our team and project!
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What is your project about?
Our project Idea is based on the need for for a preemptive approach to fecal matter bacteriophage disease causing viruses, not the post disease acquiring reaction that is now in effect.Currently those in charge of the swimming areas wait until they are notified that someone has come down with an unknown sickness and only know they swam in the area the day before. Two to three people may have symptoms and the common denominator is swimming at the same beach or drinking the same water. A water sample is then taken, sent to a local laboratory and grown up on petri dishes. When a beach is closed due to bacteria it is usually three days after the current full of bacteria-phages was present. Given the amount of swimming areas, beaches and public access sites, along with the number of people who frequent them, we feel that there is a need for a rapid, handheld bio-sensor that can immediately get results.
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How does your project work?
Our project uses a lytic coliphage release of the bacterial beta-galactosidase enzyme activity and the conversion of a colorimetric substrate. In the presence of lacZ alpha fragments, the LacZ omega fragments will bind to the alpha fragments creating change in either pH or electrolyte-resistivity.
Visit to Learn More
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Who will your project help?
Our project will not only safeguard lakes,rivers,streams,swimming areas, beaches and public access sites, but potentially safeguard municipalities or anywhere clean uncontaminated water is preferred. The rapid detection and the low cost prediction of the device would have a positive impact on developing countries as well as developed nations where contamination can be a concern.
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Why did you choose this project?
The thought of creating something from the ground up as well as applying education to overcome obstacles that occur in everyday life has been a tremendous motivator. Being able to use science and engineering to make the lives of others more safe is our main goal and why we chose this project.
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