Q: Can we design an accurate indicator for preterm labor? Screening for preterm labor is the first step in the process of preventing preterm birth Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) in vaginal secretions can really only accurately say if patient is NOT in labor Need an accurate method to detect preterm labor and prevent it

Fetal Fibronectin Dilation of Cervix http://www.mydr.com.au/files/images/categories/pregnancy/cervix.jpg http://www.ffntest.com/info/fetal_test/what_fetal.html fFN is a glue-like protein that holds the fetal membrane and maternal membrane together. It is released and found present in vaginal secretions closer to labor. Dilation of the cervix is another symptom of labor. Oxytocin is responsible for contractions

INPUT OUTPUT High Levels of fFN Decrease in Progesterone Increase in Oxytocin Cervical Dilation Banana Smell (MIT iGEM 2006) Progesterone (to suppress contractions) Device Goal: To create a device to implant in the vagina that senses four symptoms of labor and expresses an aromatic gene as an indicator of preterm birth.