For the 2008 iGEM competition, the Imperial College Team aims to develop a genetically-engineered Biofabricator, using the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis as our chassis. Our Biofabricator aims to produce self-assembling biomaterials in specified 3D shapes, using light as the trigger.

• First by utilising an endogenous light-sensing mechanism, the bacteria is captured in the desired location using 3D holography.
• Next bacterial locomotion is suspended in the region of interest using a recently-discovered clutch mechanism. This involves disengaging the flagellum from the motor protein.
• Finally, when our bacteria are stationary in the correct location, the biomaterial production is triggered. These biomaterials can self-assemble to form a 3D bio-scaffold.

Applications of our Biofabricator range from regenerative tissue engineering to Bio-Couture.

Please continue on to our project pages - you may want to start with our >>> Project Specifications >>>

The Imperial College Team 2008 has received sponsorship from a number of generous companies. We are grateful for their kind support.