Team:UCLouvain

iGEM UCLouvain Team

we are

iGEM UCLouvain Team

the project

Although melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, they are responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. More than 80% of melanomas are caused by the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Our project: BactaSun, a bio-badge changing color when exposed to sunlight.

Global issue

For several years, our exposition to UV rays has increased and scientists noticed an upward trend in risks of developing skin cancers.

Protection exists

Although protections exist to avoid this issue, we can’t feel the UV rays, or too late.

Badge design

For that reason, we developed a wearable UV-sensitive badge so that people can be warned anytime and anywhere of their UV exposition. The badge turns red when exposed to UVs.

Culture design

This badge contains a liquid cell culture. The cells are engineered so that they can produce a red fluorescent protein. They only produce it when the badge is exposed to UV rays, thanks to a photocaged amino acid.

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