ROADBLOCK: Towards Programmable Defensive Bacterial Coatings & Skins

Lead Research Organisation: University of Warwick
Department Name: Computer Science

Abstract

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Description The design of synthetic genetic constructs is a complicated and difficult task, mainly because it must take into account many difficult factors - the overall design from a qualitative point of view, interactions between the new constructs and the existing chassis, quantitative aspects arising from transcription and translation rates, and consequences of the cellular mechanisms for managing DNA sequences. We found that a Constraint Satisfaction approach allows many of these features to be considered and we have a proog of concept implementation that allows many of these sometimes contradictory features to be considered, therefore improving the design-and-testing cycle.
Exploitation Route We are integrating the new approach to biocompilation with tools that support the other phases, such as simulation of the quantitative factors and model checking of temporal properties. We are also exploring how the Constraint Satisfaction paradigm can be adapted to the different special uses of Synthetic Biology.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
 
Description The research covers an exciting area of collaboration between Life Sciences and Computer Science. I have used the results as a basis for teaching at both UG and PG level, to show the impact that CS has on biological applications. This year I have two CS student projects which are direct consequences from this research, and have taught the approaches as part of training for CDT students in Synthetic Biology.
First Year Of Impact 2015
Sector Education
Impact Types Cultural
 
Description Cafe Scientifique, Leamington Spa 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Cafe Scientifique is a world-wide engagement activity where scientists present a one-hour description of their research as well as the contextt in terms of national importance and societal impact. This is followed by another hour of discussion, all of which takes place in a public access space such as a Cafe or, in this case, a pub.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.cafescientifique.org/index.php?option=com_contentbuilder&title=uk-leamington-spa&controll...