Purdue/11 June 2008

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Lab Meeting

In attendance:
 * Craig Barcus
 * Janie Stine
 * Michael Iannotti
 * David Jaroch
 * Dr. Jenna Rickus
 * Dr. Bernard Tao

Minutes
 * 1) Discussed unfeasibility of Milk spoilage idea
 * 2) According to consumer standards, milk pH need only decrease 0.2 pH units (from 6.6 to 6.4) before it is considered unacceptable
 * 3) Lactose and lactobacilli pathways are too subtle to be able to detect with bacteria
 * 4) Idea not commercially useful
 * 5) Brainstormed a lot
 * 6) NEW IDEA: UV sensor
 * 7) Changes color when under UV light for too long (dangerous levels)
 * 8) Use naturally existing DNA repair pathways (RecA)
 * 9) Make into a patch form that could be stuck onto skin or clothing
 * 10) Patch would have a vital nutrient to keep colonies on patch
 * 11) Possible patch = liquid band-aid?
 * 12) Components
 * 13) Promoter from a DNA-repair pathway natural to E. coli or other bacteria (RecA?) -- See Dave
 * 14) Something that colors the bacteria:
 * 15) Could be a colored protein or metabolic color
 * 16) It's better if it's from an enzyme pathway--easier to control
 * 17) Want it to be degradable so that the color fades when you're not in the sun
 * 18) Also need a method for a patch
 * 19) Needs to be able to sustain bacterial growth without contaminating humans, etc.
 * 20) Possible uses:
 * 21) Sunscreen
 * 22) Clothing
 * 23) Hair Dye
 * 24) Tatoos
 * 25) "Invisible Ink"

Edited by Janie Stine