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We believe that modelling animal nervous system in prokaryotic chassis has a wealth of potential applications in synthetic biology. Using ion channels can reduce the lag between input and output inherent in systems that rely on changing gene expression, and instead provide rapid response to stimuli. This is the focus of the Voltage section of our project, that aims to integrate glutamate-sensitive potassium channels in E.coli, and in future, explore other signalling molecules, and use voltage-sensitive channels that could enable action potential propagation.

The nervous system also offers a strong example of the significance of self-organisation in development, an important factor in determining how the few precursor cells grow into an extremely complex and dynamic network.

Turing Pattern Formation

Turing Patterns


Voltage Output

Electric Bug


Magnetic Bacteria

We are investigating the formation of magnetosomes (membrane bound magnetite particles) in magnetotactic bacteria. This process is believed to take place in the following steps: i) production of invaginations along the inner membrane ii) uptake of iron into these invaginations iii) biomineralisation of the iron into magnetite crystals of a specific size and shape iv) axial alignment of the magnetosomes.

This mechanism gives the bacteria the ability to align itself like a compass needle along geomagnetic field lines. We are attempting to engineer the uptake of soluble iron into membrane invaginations in E.coli, and stimulate formation of magnetite using genes from Magnetospirillum. The ulitmate aim of the project is to cause E.coli to align and form extended neuron-like chains.

NOTE: unfortunately, the Magnetic project had to be discontinued. This was caused by the need to concentrate team resources and manpower on fewer projects.

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