Team:Newcastle/Description

Our Project

The concept of BioBricks was first introduced by Tom Knight at MIT in 2003. His vision was to standardise synthetic biological parts in a similar way to Lego bricks that interlock to form larger constructs. In turn, this has enabled research groups to engineer novel biological systems. Our team has been inspired by Tom Knight’s “Lego-like” approach to synthetic biology.

However, we wondered how we could mix electronic devices with synthetic biological devices. Our project therefore involves us replacing some of the traditional electronic components in a circuit with biological alternatives. Like Lego, the circuit will allow synthetic biologists to mix and match bacterial and electronic components to create electro-biological circuits. This approach will represent a foundational advance in the way synthetic biological circuits are designed and implemented.

We believe that by merging biology, electronic engineering and computer science, our project also holds fantastic opportunities for education. There is a common misconception that all bugs are bad, but our project will demonstrate the benefits of bacteria in a fun and safe manner.

Synthetic biology is an exciting, and unique field that we want to make accessible to children worldwide. We want the next generation to have a better understanding of what synthetic biology is, and inspire new ways to apply synthetic biology to real world applications. Perhaps our circuits will alter the perception of Genetically Modified Organisms, inspire a new way to generate sustainable electricity, or even work towards creating a computer made entirely from synthetic organisms.