Team:TU-Eindhoven

Introducing Our Solution

Non-Invasive Monitoring of IBD using Genetically Engineered Bacteria as Living Sensors.

1 The engineered bacteria are delivered to the intestine via an orally ingested pill

2 They are subsequently released and migrate through the colon

3 At the site of inflammation the bacteria detect a biomarker specific for IBD—Tetrathionate—which in turn activates production of ARG proteins

4 The ARG proteins form gas vesicles in the cytoplasm of the bacteria

5 The gas vesicles can then be measured outside of the body using conventional ultrasound equipment

Our method is significantly cheaper, faster and easier to perform than an endoscopy, as well as being more specific than the current calprotectin test. Additionally, patients will not need to fasten or use laxatives, no medical instruments will have to enter the body, and no samples have to be sent to a lab for analysis.

In conclusion, we aim to monitor IBD in a specific, non-invasive, fast, cost-effective & easy manner.

Description

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Lab

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Model

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Human Practices

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References

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