Team:UCLouvain

iGEM UCLouvain Team iGEM UCLouvain Team

we are

iGEM UCLouvain Team

the project BactaSun

Although melanoma accounts for less than 1% 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 the risks of developing skin cancers.

Protection exists

Although we can be protected against this health hazard, we can’t feel the UV rays and when sunburns appear, it’s too late.

Badge design

Hence, we’ve designed a wearable UV-sensitive badge so that people can be warned anytime and anywhere of their UV exposure. 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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