Capstone Project
| Group | 2023-08 | Status | completed |
| Title | Optogenetics Device for Microfluidic Experiments | ||
| Supervisor | S. Shih | ||
| Description | Synthetic biology involves engineering biological cells, such as bacteria and yeast, to
produce valuable products like chemicals, drugs, or petrochemicals. A central challenge
in synthetic biology is identifying the essential genes responsible for producing these
valuable products. Optogenetics, a powerful method for controlling gene expression,
employs light to influence transcription levels. Unlike non-light methods, optogenetics
allows for precise time-varying control since light can be instantly applied or removed.
To advance the aim of regulating gene expression, this project will focus on designing an illumination grid of LEDs, integrated with microfluidic devices developed in the Shih lab. This "smart" LED grid will be managed by software that can program the wavelengths, intensities, and duration of the illumination. Additionally, the software will enable individual LED control, creation of illumination profiles, and feedback mechanisms. If successful, this miniaturized platform will significantly enhance our ability to engineer cells, making synthetic biology more cost-effective and efficient. |
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| Student Requirement | - software design; - circuit and hardware design; - control system | ||
| Tools | The Shih lab will have most of the resources (devices, oscilloscope, cells). May require the purchase of LEDs and PCBs. | ||
| Number of Students | 5 | ||
| Students | D. Bitar, W. Dorey, N. Hyatoolla, K. Kamjoo, J. Miller | ||
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