Measurement Interlab Study

Main Page: Interlab Study page

1. Each participating team must have an “InterLab Study” page on their wiki for easy reference for the Measurement Judges.

   • All devices measured for this study should be listed on this page
   • All protocols followed for this study should be linked/posted on this page
   • Sequencing data for all measured devices should be posted on this page
     • Note: A restriction map (a restriction digest run on a gel) confirming the correct size of the device will suffice if DNA sequencing is not possible

2. Each team must use the three BioBrick devices listed below in the “Required Devices” section.

   • Note: Teams are encouraged to measure more devices, but the three required devices must be included for the InterLab Study (unless an alternative set is required and negotiated via email to measurement at igem dot org ).

3. Each participating team must collect and submit fluorescence data for these three devices (the data will be submitted through the “InterLab Worksheet” form, see step 4).

   • This data may be obtained by any means possible for the teams. Any instrument capable of measuring GFP is acceptable!
   • Measurement data should be submitted in absolute units if possible. There are many ways this can be done, depending on your lab. If your lab cannot measure absolute units, relative units are acceptable.
     • Hint: If you have access to a flow cytometer, absolute units can be measured by calibrating against standard fluorescent beads. A method for doing so is described (and supported with online tools) at: TASBE Tools
     • Previous teams who have generated absolute units: For flow cytometry measurements, we know of two previous teams: BostonU 2013 and BostonU 2014. For plate reader measurements, we know of one previous team: Imperial 2014. (If you know of more teams that should be included, please email us at measurement at igem dot org and we'll be happy to add them!)

4. Data must be measured in triplicate. In other words, we expect each participating team to provide us with three (3) biological replicates for each device. Biological replicates are where different samples that are expected to be identical are measured. This informs you about the variability across your organisms that contain the same device. For example, if you are using E. coli, this would be done by measuring the fluorescence from three (3) different colonies containing the same device.

   • Note: The mean and standard deviation across the replicates must be included.

5. All teams must fill in the InterLab Worksheet (still in development) where they will (a) report their results, (b) indicate the equipment used to measure the cells, and (c) list all controls used. All teams must follow and fill in the InterLab Protocol (still in development) to the best of their ability. This protocol is based on using E. coli and provides a basic protocol for students to follow for (a) culturing their cells and (b) obtaining plate reader measurements. If you used a different chassis, please fill the form in as much as possible.

   • Note: If you don't have a plate reader and/or plan to collect the data using a different piece of equipment, we still want you to participate! Please email us at measurement at igem dot org and let us know what type of measurements you plan on obtaining.