Exploiting synthetic biology and microfluidics to determine the mutagenic potential of antibiotics
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Uppsala universitet - Institutionen för Materialvetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 996 168 |
| Project duration | July 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Emerging technology solutions |
| Call | Emerging technology solutions within quantum technology and synthetic biology 2024 |
Important results from the project
Two of the three objectives have been achieved. Regarding the technology development, we have successfully conceptualized a method and chip design for sorting water droplets based on their content. Although the experimental studies are not yet complete, our computer simulations have demonstrated that the concept is likely to work. We have also developed a library of bacteria with integrated repressors of the glucose metabolism gene that will be used for future biological evaluations.
Expected long term effects
This project aimed to improve antibiotic resistance surveillance through high-throughput screening of mutational risks. The droplet-based microfluidic technology developed enables rapid detection of resistance-linked mutations, prioritizes safer antibiotics, and expands their efficacy. The platform has potential to reduce costs for evaluation of environmental and agricultural chemicals and ultimately ensure access to efficient antibiotics.
Approach and implementation
The collaboration between the two research groups worked well, although a closer interaction throughout the project period would have been desirable. The project started with numerical simulations to characterize the acoustic droplet sorting and based on these results a microfluidic chip was then designed and fabricated. The experimental tests have not yet been completed due to unexpected problems in achieving acoustic resonance. We will continue with the system characterization.