Abstract
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/b/bc/T--Lambert_GA--purpleline.png)
Performing synthetic biology research requires the use of expensive equipment, which is problematic for underfunded laboratories in developing nations, new research facilities, and high school programs. There is a demand for low-cost, easily accessible laboratory equipment for manual centrifuging and plate reading. In order to address this need, an imaging device and an analyzing software app were designed to quantify the HSV color space from genetically recombined E.coli cells containing inducible chromoprotein constructs. The engineered chamber, Chrome-Q, captures controlled data by eliminating external light, which allows the Android compatible mobile app to calculate the HSV color space from predetermined RGB values. To inexpensively and efficiently pellet transformed cells, an existing Paperfuge design was optimized for integration with protocols developed for the Chrome-Q system. Proof of concept was achieved by the creation of an induction curve using three different chromoproteins from ATUM’s Protein Paintbox and the assembled genetic circuits: Promoter-R0040, Ribosomal Binding Site B0034, and Scrooge Orange/Virginia Violet/Tinsel Purple (TsPurple)-BBa_K1033906, using the Chrome-Q system. This project provides economically feasible devices and methods for underfunded research labs working with chromoprotein color expression.
Description
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/b/bc/T--Lambert_GA--purpleline.png)
Purpose
When researching synthetic biology, underfunded labs often lack the monetary means to purchase expensive laboratory equipment; basic machinery, such as centrifuges, or more complex materials for analyzing data, such as plate readers, are commodities for many laboratories. The 2017 Lambert iGEM team decided to focus upon these issues, and, therefore, strives to make expensive equipment, like plate readers and centrifuges, more viable resources for underfunded labs.
Method
- The approach Lambert iGEM used was multifaceted:
- Design a chamber to optimize and standardize conditions for detecting color
- Write a software application that can be used by anyone to quantify the color values using HSV
- Test and improve on a low-cost centrifuge
- Assemble and test these devices with chromoproteins under varying levels of IPTG induction
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/2/2d/Descriptiondiagram.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/c/cc/T--Lambert_GA--SSRApathway.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/e/e0/T--Lambert_GA--clpxpanimation.gif)
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