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Mineralization Biosensors
Natural calcium carbonate is produced through a complex process determined by chemical, biological, physical, and anthropological factors whereas synthetic calcium carbonate is obtained by easy chemical protocols. Although the synthetic approach seems attractive due to the short synthesis time and control over the mineral microstructure, the reactants and products of this reaction can be toxic and thus being an unsustainable process. On the other hand, a bioinspired method based on mineralization induced by soil bacteria emerges as a sustainable alternative to synthesize calcium carbonate in a controlled manner. Biomineralization is a natural process that harnesses the biological and biochemical mechanisms of microorganisms to induce the precipitation of minerals intra or extracellularly. The polymorphs of bacterial-induced calcium carbonate are dictated by the chemical composition of the medium used for the culture of mineralizing bacteria as previously described. Despite biomineralization is already being exploited in the development of applications such as self-healing concrete, bio-bricks, bio cement, among others, it remains still challenging to predict the resulting polymorph and control over the structural properties of the calcium carbonate based on the biological feature of the system.
One of this project's objectives is to develop accurate methods to quantify the mineralizing capacity of bacteria. To achieve it, we will make use of synthetic and molecular biology techniques to create biosensors responsive to specific molecules produced by the mineralizing bacteria. In addition, microfluidic devices will be employed to carry out screening rounds of biosensor candidates.
One of this project's objectives is to develop accurate methods to quantify the mineralizing capacity of bacteria. To achieve it, we will make use of synthetic and molecular biology techniques to create biosensors responsive to specific molecules produced by the mineralizing bacteria. In addition, microfluidic devices will be employed to carry out screening rounds of biosensor candidates.
If you are interested in this project, please contact Nadia Enrriquez (nadia.enrriquez@mat.ethz.ch) for more information. We are open to discussing the topic with you according to your interests (MSc project, MSc thesis).
If you are interested in this project, please contact Nadia Enrriquez (nadia.enrriquez@mat.ethz.ch) for more information. We are open to discussing the topic with you according to your interests (MSc project, MSc thesis).
Project Advertisement_Biosensors_NE_V1_Public.pdf
