Development of a bacteria detecting biosensor in fridge

Based on the aptamer molecular recognition technology

Abstract

Have you ever wondered if our fridge is really as clean as we think?
Do you know when you should clean your fridge?
In our project, we constructed a biosensor using cell free system hydrogel containing RNA toehold switch, which was the main component of a detector used for detecting pathogenic bacteria in refrigerator. If the bacteria fall to the hydrogel in fridge, it will switch on the RNA toehold to express lacZ gene and produce β-galactosidase, catalyzing the blue product which is detected by the detector. This information is scanned by RGB color sensor and converted to the electric signal which is transferred to a pilot lamp, making the red LED light up on the screen of refrigerator door, reminding people to clean or disinfect the refrigerator in time. It is very convenient and beneficial for people to use it in refrigerator at home.

Hello, iGEMers, My name is Lily who is 12 years old girl living in China.
Welcome to listen my story!

        
One day during this summer vacation, when I returned home exhaustedly from my trip, I was thirsty and hungry. I rushed to the fridge, opened it, and took out an apple to eat, temporarily relieving my hunger.
 
 
However, about half an hour after I eating the apple, I suddenly felt severe abdominal pain accompanied by the feeling of going to wash room.
            
           
So I quickly rushed into wash room, thinking in my mind what was causing my sudden discomfort? Is that the apple I just ate? But I washed it before I put it in the fridge. Was it contaminated with bacteria again?
  
 
After coming out from wash room, my abdominal pain not only didn’t ease, but also became more severer... Later, my family had to call 120, an ambulance took me to the hospital emergency room.
    
             
After examination and communication with me, the doctor told me that I had acute gastroenteritis, probably caused by the contamination of Shigella on the apple. I had to undergo treatment through intravenous infusion.
  
 
When my cousin knew the cause of my illness, she told me that their iGEMers were developing a detector that can monitor bacteria in refrigerator. If bacteria are detected, the red LED will light up on the refrigerator door.
                
             
When the red light turn on, it reminds people that it is time to clean or disinfect the refrigerator. It can protect people's health, and reduce the possibility of illness caused by contaminated food in refrigerator.
  
 
I put the detector they decveloped into my refrigerator. From then, I can eat refrigerator food in peace, and no longer worry about the food being contaminated by bacteria.
Thanks iGEMer of ICJFLS!