The development of a two-colour flow cytometric assay for the detection of whole cell biosensors in environmental samples. Macquarie University and the University of Copenhagen have expertise in fluorescence detection and whole cell biosensors respectively. The project will take advantage of these skills and develop a sensitive assay for monitoring biosensor bacteria in soil. The technology will be significant as it will enable real time analysis of antibiotic production in situ through the de ....The development of a two-colour flow cytometric assay for the detection of whole cell biosensors in environmental samples. Macquarie University and the University of Copenhagen have expertise in fluorescence detection and whole cell biosensors respectively. The project will take advantage of these skills and develop a sensitive assay for monitoring biosensor bacteria in soil. The technology will be significant as it will enable real time analysis of antibiotic production in situ through the detection of GFP expression. This work will then be used to isolate new antibiotic produces and will be extended to research into the bioavailability of toxic compounds and stress. An existing collaboration between the two institutions will be extended enabling the transfer and application of biosensor technology to Australia.Read moreRead less
Sodium homeostasis and the molecular basis for neurotoxin production by bacteria and algae. An understanding of the physiology of saxitoxin-producing microorgansims in response to salt stress is critical for the prevention of toxic blooms and for risk assessment of contaminated water bodies. This is nowhere more relevant than in the depleted and increasingly saline water resources of inland Australia. This project will develop genetic tests to assay for saxitoxin-producers and to monitor toxin p ....Sodium homeostasis and the molecular basis for neurotoxin production by bacteria and algae. An understanding of the physiology of saxitoxin-producing microorgansims in response to salt stress is critical for the prevention of toxic blooms and for risk assessment of contaminated water bodies. This is nowhere more relevant than in the depleted and increasingly saline water resources of inland Australia. This project will develop genetic tests to assay for saxitoxin-producers and to monitor toxin production in response to the environment, representing an easier, more economic and ethical alternative to current tests. The market for this type of predictive test includes environmental, anti-bioterrorism and fishery organisations. These genes will also allow the bioengineering of novel therapeutic drugs based on neuroactive alkaloids.Read moreRead less