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Using Algae as a Successful Bio-Conductor in a Bio-circuit

AJAS · 2022 Engineering

Emily Scrupps

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Overview

The revolutionized biomedical industry has a deep connection with the utilization of synthetic biology, to create multi-functional, complex but minimalistic, non-invasive biomedical devices. Bioelectronics have constructed new methods to monitor activity of cells and tissues that will likely advance the medical field to monitor the human body. As a new industry, bio-circuits are faced with emerging problems, this research is focused on the inability to construct and test circuits. This research proposes the implementation of a 3D printer to accurately produce the complexity of a biosensor. The engineering goal was to print 3 dimensional algal biological circuits that would conduct electricity at a 0.4% recovery rate of the controlled circuits voltage. Petroleum based ink cartridges represented the controlled group while being compared to algal bio-ink representing the experimental group. Each ink was printed onto a transparent film sheet and tested for electrical conductivity using a multimeter. The controlled data averaged 28.16mV, 26.77mV, and 5.57mV for one layer and the experimental data averaged 0.1mV, 0.1mV, and 0.0mV for one layer. The experimental data had an average numerical increase of y=3E-5x. With an equalization point at 28.16mV. The algal bio-ink will need 933.33 layers creating a 2.799mm algal layer. The circuit was engineered out of algae which meant that the goal of engineering a completely biological circuit was met. The engineering goal was achieved because the experimental group was able to produce a 0.4% recovery rate as compared to the controlled circuit group.

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From the student

I completely believe that everyone has their niche in science, but it took me a while to find mine. I began my scientific journey in Chemistry and Physics but neither really spoke to me. I continued to try to immerse myself in science and I learned that my school offered an ASR course (Advanced Science Research). Originally I thought, "This would look great on my resume." and I used that thought to say yes to the challenge. I left my Chemistry and Physics counterparts and moved on to Engineering. It took me numerous weeks to realize that I didn't want to do Chemical, Nuclear, Physical, and many other Engineering groups, but I finally found biological engineering and I finally understood and applied what I learned. Originally in my sophomore year, I decided that I was going to build a 3D biological printer. My goal was to print biological material, and that's when I chose algae. From there I competed in Regional and State level competitions and received awards for my dedication. The next year I continued with Bio-Engineering, but I still didn't know what I wanted to apply my findings to. Then I came across an article talking about bio-circuitry and was immediately intrigued. I then used a bio-printer that I engineered and started to complete my project. My research had many phases, and it could still have more. I competed at my Eastern Washington Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and I received a Grand Champion award which meant I could compete at ISEF. I competed at State and earned second place in my category. Because of my success at the Regional and State levels, The Washington State Academy of Science nominated me to be an AJAS delegate; the proudest moment of my scientific career. I cling to the notion that this won't be the last proud moment.

I sincerely thank my mentor Jeff Wehr, WSAS, and AJAS for this great opportunity.

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Awards (1)

  • AJAS Fellows Badge

Competition history

  • AJAS 2022 Engineering

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Source: ProjectBoard / American Junior Academy of Science

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