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Building biological computers from bacterial populations

Objective

Biosensors detect compounds using a biological component combined with a physio-chemical detector. Using synthetic biology, we can now engineer bacteria into whole-cell biosensors where sensing, transduction and output occur within the living cell. Applications include the detection of harmful environmental agents, bioprocess monitoring, and detecting medically relevant biomarkers. As we move towards more sophisticated applications, single channel read-out will be replaced with sensors that have multiple inputs and more complex information processing capabilities. Whilst digital logic within a single strain of bacteria can be implemented, consortia offer a powerful alternative, where information is integrated and processed in a distributed fashion. This proposal sets out a research project that will construct biological computers formed from engineered bacterial populations that communicate using quorum sensing molecules. Information from multiple biosensor inputs will be integrated and processed by the biocomputer, the output of which will be spatial patterning. The architecture will be based on cellular automata, which can perform any computation, including logic and temporal logic operations, memory and counting, all of which can be used to distinguish states in complex biological and chemical environments. Our biocomputers will be housed in microfluidic devices using hydrogel structures to create two and three dimensional regular arrangements. As a proof-of-concept, we will develop a biocomputer for the analysis and monitoring of intestinal and microbiota health through stool samples. Sensors for inflammation, pH and short chain fatty acids will be combined into a device that can indicate whether an individual has inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. A low-cost device for use at home, which distinguishes between these conditions, could potentially save the global health care industry billions of dollars in unnecessary diagnostic treatments.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2017-COG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 998 025,00
Address
GOWER STREET
WC1E 6BT LONDON
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Camden and City of London
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 998 025,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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