We developed an algorithm (written in Python) to analyse any input DNA sequence for its codon composition. GeneCodonSearch (GeCoS) can analyse whole proteomes (Coding sequences) of organisms in seconds (e.g. Escherichia coli) to minutes (e.g. Homo sapiens), depending on the hardware and the proteome size. GeCoS is publicly available in the Galaxy Tool Shed as an open-source software (https://bit.ly/2YMcRZl). We use this tool to identify naturally occurring proteins with increased contents of codons that are rarely used in Vibrio natriegens. With these proteins, we plan to validate our optimized heterologous expression in our new Vibrio natriegens strain.

After receival of the microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris in a 50 mL falcon and the cultivation of said microalgae in a 5-liter bioreactor lies a lot of obstacles and problems (Roughly 4 weeks). At first, the microalgae did not multiply as hoped, showing a lag-period in which, the microalgae adopted to our lab environment. Furthermore, we experienced a bottleneck in 500 mL culture flasks….

5 delegates of our iGEM team attended the iGEM spring festival in Bonn with the goal to present our project idea and goals as well as to form connections to other iGEM teams. One of these connections results in us testing a bioreactor using our algae.