An Autonomous System for Experimental Evolution of Microbial Cultures: Test Results Using Ultraviolet-C Radiation and Escherichia Coli.At its core, the field of microbial experimental evolution seeks to elucidate the natural laws governing the history of microbial life by understanding its underlying driving mechanisms. However, observing evolution in nature is complex, as environmental conditions are difficult to control. Laboratory-based experiments for observing population evolution provide more control, but manually culturing and studying multiple generations of microorganisms can be time consuming, labor intensive, and prone to inconsistency. We have constructed a prototype, closed system device that automates the process of directed evolution experiments in microorganisms. It is compatible with any liquid microbial culture, including polycultures and field samples, provides flow control and adjustable agitation, continuously monitors optical density (OD), and can dynamically control environmental pressures such as ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation and temperature. Here, the results of the prototype are compared to iterative exposure and survival assays conducted using a traditional hood, UV-C lamp, and shutter system.
Document ID
20170004361
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ouandji, Cynthia (San Jose State Univ. San Jose, CA, United States)
Wang, Jonathan (San Jose State Univ. San Jose, CA, United States)
Arismendi, Dillon (City Coll. of San Francisco San Francisco, CA, United States)
Lee, Alonzo (California Univ. Santa Cruz, CA, United States)
Blaich, Justin (Millennium Engineering and Integration Co. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gentry, Diana (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)