Breaking Plaque
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Shannon, Katie
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Imagination
Abstract
The purpose of the project is to create an E.coli strain with the ability to break down the plaque buildup around teeth. The main goal is to inhibit the bacteria from grouping together to form the biofilm. Therefore, the main target of the device will be the variety of gram-positive bacteria found in the mouth and the gooey, polysaccharide layer that they create. The biofilm is built through quorum sensing and our strain of E.coli will contain an enzyme that prohibits the peptides from working as sensors that signal other bacteria. Once the targets are unable to bind to each other, we will further the efficiency by breaking down the cell walls, and will attempt to lyse the cells. Lastly, the device will release a minty smell that allows the user to know their mouth cleaning has been completed for the time being.
Biography
Delaney DeJanes and Heather McCoy are seniors in Biological Sciences. They will graduate in December 2016 with their bachelor’s degree from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Delaney hopes to build on her interest in Biomedical Engineering by doing projects that improve the body and working with prosthetics to restore bodily functions. Heather will begin a career as an officer in the United States Army upon graduation.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breaking Plaque
Upper Atrium/Hallway
The purpose of the project is to create an E.coli strain with the ability to break down the plaque buildup around teeth. The main goal is to inhibit the bacteria from grouping together to form the biofilm. Therefore, the main target of the device will be the variety of gram-positive bacteria found in the mouth and the gooey, polysaccharide layer that they create. The biofilm is built through quorum sensing and our strain of E.coli will contain an enzyme that prohibits the peptides from working as sensors that signal other bacteria. Once the targets are unable to bind to each other, we will further the efficiency by breaking down the cell walls, and will attempt to lyse the cells. Lastly, the device will release a minty smell that allows the user to know their mouth cleaning has been completed for the time being.
Comments
Joint project with Delaney DeJanes