Interlab Study

Introduction

Variations in data obtained from experiments often correlate with the lack of standardized protocols for equal measurement. The iGEM Interlab Study serves the purpose of tackling this problem by providing a standard measurement protocol for all teams to follow in a controlled setting, in order to effectively characterize the increased efficiency of doing the same. Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a biomarker that is commonly used in labs across the world, and for this purpose, it was used as the standard gene of expression due to the shared capability of most teams to quantify it. Through this standardized protocol, each team appropriately quantified GFP from their transformations and liquid cultures, and the data from each team serves as levels of treatment to compare and improve the measurement and lab protocols used. Our team collaborated with the University of Georgia for access to a plate reader and for a comparison of measurements. Following iGEM’s transformations protocol, we transformed the samples at Lambert High School, and transported the plates to the University of Georgia for the inoculation of liquid cultures and measurement. Safety precautions were taken in each step to ensure prevention of contamination and proper enclosement of bacterial samples.