Boosting the Bandwidth of Engineered Biology

Summary

This project aimed to overcome the “low bandwidth” of engineered biological systems, which typically respond over minutes due to reliance on gene expression and protein accumulation. Inspired by natural systems operating on millisecond timescales, the team developed fast-acting, non-native biological circuits coupled with robotic measurement and actuation hardware. They engineered electron-conducting protein wires powered by light-harvesting proteins to rapidly activate intracellular enzymes via electron transfer. Promising protein wires were fused to optimise switching speed. A parallel experimental platform using dynamic light projection and real-time imaging was developed to control single-cell behaviour. Ongoing follow-up work includes rapid pattern formation.

Investigators

Ciarán Kelly

Funder

BBSRC Engineering Biology Breakthrough Award

Project duration

12 months