Contribution

Our team has designed and constructed a series of engineered bacteria that can perform logic gate functions, such as AND, OR and XOR, using multiple AHL ligands as input signals. The relevant components in the corresponding gene circuit can be replaced, enabling other iGEM teams to construct custom logic gates with varied inputs and outputs.

More information can be found on our The toolkit provides a novel, lightweight and easily adjustable logic gate construction method. It has the potential for medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, pollution detection and many other applications. We expect the toolkit to support and assist other teams with their experiments.

Our team has designed and constructed a series of engineered bacteria that can perform logic gate functions, such as AND, OR and XOR, using multiple AHL ligands as input signals. The relevant components in the corresponding gene circuit can be replaced, enabling other iGEM teams to construct custom logic gates with varied inputs and outputs.

More information can be found on our Design Page.

To minimise inter-signal crosstalk, we referred to relevant research to select and validate multiple orthogonal quorum sensing systems, using relative AHL ligands as the medium through which signals are transmitted for cascading logic gates. This strategy effectively mitigates signal interference and provides a reliable foundation for future researchers to use orthogonal quorum sensing systems as “wires” when constructing logic gates or more complex cascade system.

For further details, please refer to our Design Page.

To quantitatively analyze the spatial distribution of AHL ligand diffusion in solid agar media and to assess the relative expression strength across different systems, we designed a set of corresponding biosensors for each AHL system. By measuring the fluorescence intensity of colonies of biosensors and comparing them with a pre-established calibration curve of AHL ligand concentration versus fluorescence intensity, we achieved spatially resolved quantification of AHL ligand concentrations at specific locations on the agar.

More information can be found on our Design Page.

We designed a light-inducible AHL-degrading enzyme (AiiA) to implement the reset function of the calculator. Upon completion of computation, exposure to light with a wavelength of 465 nm effectively clears any residual AHL ligands on the plate, thereby providing an initial state for subsequent operations. Furthermore, based on relevant literature and our practical design process, we have summarized a generalizable strategy for designing light-induciable enzymes, which may serve as a valuable reference for other iGEM teams developing similar systems.

More information can be found on our Design Page.

This integrated software suite enables researchers to analyze and predict bacterial fluorescence through two complementary tools: an interpolation calculator that processes experimental data to create accurate prediction models using piecewise linear interpolation with non-negative constraints, and a user-friendly GUI application that supports four bacterial strains (Las, Rhl, Cin and Tra) for real-time fluorescence prediction and reverse-calculation of optimal experimental parameters such as spatial distance, making it ideal for quorum sensing research, synthetic biology, and bioengineering applications.

More information can be found on our Measurement Page.

Accurate modeling is crucial for optimizing experiments and effectively interpreting experimental data. The core mathematical models include: Molecule-Specific Diffusion Equations, Logic Gate Response (Hill-type Functions), and Real-time Molecular Detection System. Parameters of these mathematical models are optimized and determined based on wet lab experimental data, enabling precise prediction and partial explanation of experimental outcomes.

More information can be found on our Model Page.

Visualized addition operations provide the most intuitive approach to understanding biological computation. This software enables flexible and convenient construction of LOGIC calculators, the adjustment of experimental conditions, and the prediction of visualized experimental outcomes. It enables other teams to gain a more intuitive understanding of our project and experience the fascination of biological computation for themselves.

More information can be found on our Software Page.

During the experiment, we observed that visual misalignment caused by operating within the super clean bench resulted in inconsistent distances between dispensing sites. Additionally, manual micro-dispensing frequently punctured the agar, introducing significant experimental error. Therefore, we aim to design a hardware scaffold for standardized dispensing to minimize human error and achieve more reliable results. This hardware will help other teams to control sample spacing more strictly and perform precise micro-dispensing.

LOGIC can also be used as an educational tool. We plan to encapsulate the components in this project into a lightweight, easy-to-use biocomputing educational tool that visually demonstrates the bacterial addition operation. Users can input two binary numbers to perform an addition calculation, allowing them to experience binary computing and synthetic biology simultaneously, combining education with entertainment.

Furthermore, our team is committed to advancing the development of synthetic biology by enhancing public engagement and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This was achieved through the distribution and collection of project surveys from the general public, active exchanges with various iGEM teams, and in-depth discussions with experts from diverse fields. In addition, a range of science outreach activities were organized, including campus flash events, community science workshops, and educational outreach programs, all aimed at popularizing synthetic biology knowledge among diverse groups and stimulating broader public interest in the field.

More details can be found on our Human Practices Page.