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
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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 as it removes oxygen from solution. This allows for pyocyanin to be maintained in a reduced form but does not diminish GFP fluorescence, suggesting cells remain in aerobic conditions.
