Design Overview

PixCell is a major improvement on an existing electrogenetic system, making it aerobic, more responsive and fully modular. The system depends on a complex network of electrochemical, chemical and biomolecular interactions which is not yet fully understood. Chemical species and the cellular environment is maintained in a reduced form. Electrode potentials can either maintain this state or oxidise chemical species to activate the biological circuit.

Electrochemical Module Design

Potentiostat:

The controller of the systen. It generates the electrode currents.

Electrode or Electrode Array:

The electrode is the driving force of the system. It allows for oxidation and reduction of redox molecules.

Pyocyanin:

This is a redox-cycling molecule produced by Pseudomonas aeuriginosa. In its oxidised form it can activate gene transcription of redox-signalling pathways, either directly or by oxidative stress. In normal aerobic conditions it is oxidised.

Ferrocyanide/Ferricyanide:

These molecules are well known redox mediators. The oxidised form (ferrocyanide) can draw electrons from the cells quinone pool. This amplifies the activity of redox-cycling molecules like pyocyanin. When the reduced form (ferricyanide) is present the opposite is true.

Sodium Sulfite:

This is an oxygen scavenger These molecules are well known redox mediators. The oxidised form (ferrocyanide) can draw electrons from the cells quinone pool. This amplifies the activity of redox-cycling molecules like pyocyanin. When the reduced form (ferricyanide) is present the opposite is true.

Level of understanding

Beginner Intermediate Advance