The Concept

The idea of accurately detecting lung cancer in its early stages seems a interminably difficult, but once you connect disease to genetically modified bacteria and biological engineering through manipulation of bacteria like E. Coli, anything is possible. Our idea was to create a simple, noninvasive way to detect lung cancer that utilized the world around us- live organisms that could contribute to our diagnosis of disease. Biotechnology has been on the rise for quite some time now, but its application to real world issues like cancer is only just emerging. Our concept is quite simple on the surface- produce an E. Coli bacterium that has the genes to detect the volatile organic compounds that are released in a lung cancer patient's breath. Unlike humans, bacteria organize their genes in circular sequences called plasmids. By inserting our desired genes in the plasmid, we can make the E. Coli cell express proteins that it would not have expressed prior to genetic change. These proteins would then react with the VOCs that exist in higher concentrations in people who have lung cancer. Thus, when a person breaths on E. Coli cells, certain genes will be activated, along with GFP, which is sequence of the plasmid that codes for a protein that makes the bacteria glow. So, if the bacteria glow, then we know that we have a positive test for lung cancer.