Butanol Producing E. Coli and Algae biofuels Austin Pruitt

The Plan

Chlorella Vulgaris

Bump Array Sorts Particles by size Aids in evolutionary acceleration

E. Coli

Death Galaxy The Death Galaxy is a microchip device with interconnected wells and gradient Mimics heterogeneous microenvironments Can result in rapid evolution

Evolutionary Dynamic Principles  Stress gradient and microenvironments should yield rapid evolution  Low stress allows reproduction  Mutated cells climb the gradient  Small population size in wells allows faster fixation

E. Coli Resistance to Cipro

Progress so far

Next Steps  Begin UV and Bump array testing  Run several death galaxies simultaneously  Attempt to evolve bacteria/algae to thrive in different conditions

Conclusion  Gained many skills through this experience  Ongoing research  Better understanding of evolutionary dynamics, and fluid mechanics

Thank you!

Sources  /BumpArray_1.jpg  content/uploads/2013/04/chlorella_vulgaris_beij_1_0.jpg  04/algae1.jpg  footage-moscow-june-cars-stands-in-traffic-jam-on-the-city-center- june-moscow-russia.jpg  power-generator.jpg    gosmall.jpg