1. 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

2. Fetal Fibronectin Dilation of Cervix
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

3. 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.