Team:UBonn HBRS
iGEM Bonn
We are working on a way to prevent caries. The major cariogenic bacterium is Streptococcus mutans. Its pathogenicity originates from its attachment to the tooth surface and the formation of biofilms on it.
First, we identified proteins that are responsible for the attachment, biofilm formation and thus pathogenicity of S. mutans. After that we synthesized the genes coding for them by IDT. In the next step we express these proteins.
Once expression is successful, we perform SELEX against them to find aptamers, that potentially inhibit the formation of plaques. Aptamers are short nucleic acids, which can perform functions similiar to proteins.
At last we screen the selected aptamers for their ability to prevent the formation of a biofilm.
An important part of our project has been to introduce Synthetic Biology to the public through various Human practices events.
We thank our Institutions and our sponsors for their support
