This is a continuation of N00014-13-1-0074 Next-generation Genetic Devices: Model-guided Discovery and Optimization of Navy-relevant Cell-based Sensors

Abstract

The proposed effort will apply tools from Synthetic Biology to construct high-performance and robust genetic sensors that respond to non-natural signals. The focus will be on sensors that respond to the non-visible spectrum (UV and IR) and magnetic fields. Genetic part mining will be applied to build first-generation genetic sensors that convert these signals into a transcriptional response. In practice, while these synthetic sensors are responsive under lab conditions, they lack the performance, reliability, and environmental robustness necessary for in-field applications. To this end, the team will apply control theory and a new concept for the in vitro characterization of genetic devices ( breadboarding ) to develop parts and design principles that make the sensors robust to environment, genetic context, and host. These principles will be combined to build a next-generation of sensors.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141612388

Entities

People

  • Christopher Voigt

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology