Synthetic Biology and Paper-based Gene Switches for Detection in Austere Environments

This NRC opportunity is to work as part of a team working on the optimization of gene circuits in a cell-free environment. This enables faster and easier refinement of sense and response modules for DoD relevant compounds (e.g. fuel contaminants, chemical weapons, explosives). Cell-free systems will serve as a stepping stone to insertion into a living cell or as a standalone application outside of a cell. An additional advantage is that this approach more easily harnesses the power of high-throughput screening platforms. Using th...