02 RECENT PROJECTS
Fluorescent proteins in microalgae
Fluorescent proteins are incredible tools to explore expression systems. Their light signal are readily available and diverse across the light spectrum. Due to the high pigment content in microalgae some fluorescent proteins might be more suitable than others for various process. We explored the use of 7 fluorescent protein in secretion events, from blue to red colors (mTagBFP, mCerulean, Emerald, CrGFP, cOFP, tdTomato, and mCherry). DOI 10.5281/zenodo.1133329
Fluorescent proteins in microalgae
Signal peptides in microalgae
Any expression platform can benefit from the ability to secret the desired product to the media, this is even more prominent in microalgae. Efficient secretion strategies allows bioprocess design such as continuous production set ups, since product and cells separation can be promptly achieved, majorly impacting overall cost. We aimed to tackle this problem by studying new signal peptides, using a in silico approach to identify candidates combined with experimental evaluation. DOI10.5281/zenodo.603927
Signal peptides in microalgae
Any expression platform can benefit from the ability to secret the desired product to the media, this is even more prominent in microalgae. Efficient secretion strategies allows bioprocess design such as continuous production set ups, since product and cells separation can be promptly achieved, majorly impacting overall cost. We aimed to tackle this problem by studying new signal peptides, using a in silico approach to identify candidates combined with experimental evaluation. DOI10.5281/zenodo.603927. See more.
GFP quantification by image analysis
Fluorescent proteins allows the spatial observation of structures and proteins inside a cell. Another trait is the possibility to correlate light emitted with expression levels, important for distinct studies, from promoter strength comparison to signal peptides efficiency. Nevertheless, relative quantification depends on equipments not freely available in some research laboratories. To reduce this gap, we started the development of an open hardware to quantify fluorescent protein, based in image. See more.
Lab scale Photobioreactor
Some organism are capable of harness fusion energy, they are call photosynthetic organisms. Microalgae are part of this type of organisms, which implies that beside normal media component required for organism growth, they require a physical nutrient, light! Research labs need a device to give all conditions required for life, the bioreactor. Microalgae requires a special kind of reactor, that deliver light to the cells. We developed a lab scale (3.5L) photobioreactor to this purpose, with autoclavable material, at low cost. See more.
Separation technology
Aqueous two phase system (ATPS) are a liquid-liquid separation technique with interest features to recover sensible molecules, such as proteins and viral particles. The system is formed in specific conditions with certain polymers (such as PEG) and salts, or even with some surfactants at certain temperatures (Triton X-114). All ATPS are mainly composed of water. We developed a extraction strategy of Adenovirus particles from crude cell lysate and we are currently studying the influence of Hoffmeister ions in protein partition using GFP. See more.
Open Hardware for Science
Science is intricately linked to our capacity to observe the world around us. So intricately that we develop devices to expand our senses to reach and see different phenomenons, postulate hypotheses and test them. Imagine how science change with the capacity to observe cells provided by the microscope, our discover the mystery of matter in the super colliders. Although, we created this equipment in a collaborative effort, the human potential is still untapped due to some access restriction to equipments by a large portion of curious scientist. To contribute in this collaborative initiative, we developed some open hardware equipment, to reduce cost, allow tailoring of equipments to specific purposes and nurture the open hardware community. OH1, OH2, OH3, and OH4. See more.