During the development of the project, we identified a problem with endocrinally active compounds contaminating the water, so we then looked for a way in which we could apply our solution to solve this problem. Our first idea, of course, was a filter to purify passing water. The prototype we developed uses our enzymes and facilitates the scale-up of our universal solution.
The prototype model thus prepared allows us to test the basic principles of our design in a more real-life environment. We were keen to apply our design on a scale larger than a laboratory test tube as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we were not able to test the final enzymes constructs in this model, however, we hope that future iGEM teams can use this prototype to test their own solutions, so that design change can result in the development of real-life problem solutions as soon as possible.
Figure 1. First 3D model
A prototype showing the basics of our idea: (1) a housing containing a peristaltic pump and a place to add a water sample; (2) a container containing a replaceable cellulose filter with genetically modified bacteria capable of degrading phthalates.
Figure 2. Last version of our filter
A prototype adjusted to a GMO-free system: (1) a water container containing cellulose particles with enzymes capable of degrading phthalates immobilized on them; (2) the rotor for mixing the water; (3) a microcontroller and knob for controlling the rotor's rotation; (4) inflow and outflow; (5) power supply.
