Open projects
We develop a new pipeline for plant DNA extraction based on the use of a microneedle patch.
1. Microneedles Patch
3 Students
To optimize the use of Microneedles patch in the field, deeper investigation needs to be done:
- Assess the shelf-life of the Microneedles
- Assess the capability of DNA preservation on the Microneedles
- Develop a suitable packaging for the Microneedles to protect them during storage, transport and insertion in the manipulator
- Design new microneedles to improve the efficiency of the DNA extraction (increase DNA quantity vs contaminants)
Keywords: Materials, Fabrication process, Hydrogels, Prototyping and Testing
2. Microneedles stapler
3 Students
The aim is to design a device that will enable easy handling of the microneedles patch by the operator during the sampling and will protect the patch from contaminations before and after the sampling:
- Develop a hand-held manipulator for the Microneedles to simplify handling
- Reduce variability and contamination risk during the sampling/extraction phase
Keywords: Mechanical design, Prototyping, Ergonomics, Sampling
3. Microneedles eluter
3 Students
To further enhance the performances of the Microneedles, improvements in the DNA extraction process must be investigated.
- Develop a fluidic system for the elution
- Labelling function (name, date and description)
- Geo localization
Keywords: Microfabrication, microfluidics, electronics, embbeded software
4. Amplification plateform
3 Students
To enable on-field amplification we need an incubator tool easy to use and minimizing energy consumption
- Develop a tool able to heat at 40°C for 40min
- extreme isolation
- compact and light
Keywords: Microengineering, electronics, embbeded software
The GenoRobotics project tackles the challenge of field sequencing. To achieve a solution for autonomous on-site analysis, we work on the following topics:
1. Isothermal amplification: RPA
4 Students
After DNA extraction, DNA . An isothermal amplification pipeline must be designed in order to develop a field compatible tool.
- Reliable RPA: Develop universal pairs of primers for plant DNA barcoding using 4 genes
- Enable multiplexing in RPA: simultaneous amplification of multiple samples in a single reaction
- Isothermal library preparation for nanopore sequencing using RPA: prepare samples for nanopore sequencing during the amplification process.
Keywords: DNA extraction, DNA amplification, RPA, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental & Life sciences
2. Nanopore DNA Sequencing
2 Students
The aim of this work is to be able to sequence four plant genes using a Nanopore sequencer for unlocking the use of DNA barcoding in the field.
- Sequence DNA extracted with Microneedles
- Protocol optimization (field compatible and/or microfluidic compatible)
- Sequence RPA output
Keywords: MinION, Nanopore sequencing, Laboratory work, Biology, genomic DNA , Plant DNA barcoding, Environmental & Life sciences
3. Nanopore interface
2 Students
Develop a fluidic interface to ease sample loading and wash process on the Minion flowcell in the field.
Keywords: Microfabrication, microfluidics, MinION, Nanopore sequencing, Biology, Environmental & Life sciences
The CoWaS project tackles the challenge of biodiversity monitoring in water bodies. To achieve a solution for autonomous analysis, we work on the following topics:
1. CoWaS
3 Students
The aim is to develop a water pumping and filtration system that can be pre-programmed or remotely controlled to ensure an operator-free continuous sampling of a water body at a fixed depth. A first prototype (CoWaS) has been built. We now need to develop:
- Extend the CoWaS to 14 Sterivex
- Design a plug&play cartridge for simple changing of the Sterivex
- Develop the remote communication and control system of the CoWaS
Keywords: Water sampling, Mechanical/Electrical Design, Programming, Communication system, Environmental sampling
2. JAWS
5 Students
The water samples must then be stored or processed to extract the DNA contained in them. A suitable extraction pipeline must be designed based on the first tests and results that have already been carried out.
- DNA conservation (heating system integrated in cartridge)
- Design a pipeline for DNA extraction from the Sterivex filters
- 16S sequencing protocol
Keywords: DNA extraction, Nanopore DNA sequencing, Biochemistry, Environmental & Life sciences
3. Microfluidics and Miniaturization
2 Students
To develop an autonomous platform able to monitoring bacterial communities in Leman lake we need to:
- Implement the automated pipeline in a miniaturized and integrated chip
- Interface with the Nanopore DNA sequencer
Keywords: Microfabrication, Microfluidics, Automation, Robotics, Materials, Microfabrication, Microfluidics
The focus here is the development of the biodiversity database with its associated software tools and hardware equipment. It will store the data produced during survey and monitoring expeditions and will propose a set of bioinformatics and analysis tools. We are currently working on the following topics:
1. User interface tools
1-2 Students
The aim is to develop software tools (desktop and/or web-based) to enable user-friendly actions such as data upload/download.
Keywords: Software development, User interface, Database
2. Interfacing with international Biodiversity Databases
1-2 Students
The current version of the database is not currently linked to standard international Databases such as GenBank. The goal is to design an interface that enables data exchange between these systems.
Keywords: Database management, Data structure, Interfaces
3. Consensus sequence
2-3 Students
The data will be generated mostly during expeditions in harsh environment. It needs to be stored locally until it can be uploaded to the main database. This part of the project focuses on the development of a solution for storing and exchanging data with the database during field expeditions.
Keywords: Field hardware, Data storage, Communication system, Electrical/Mechanical Design, Prototyping
If you didn’t find a suitable project listed but are still interested in joining GenoRobotics, you are most welcome to contact us!
We will do our very best to work something out.
Association positions
Communication and promotion
3 Students
The communication and promotion around the project is focus on the following points:
- Communicate on the project through social media
- Content creation
- Website management
Keywords: Web design, social media, graphic design, content creation
Sponsoring
3 Students
Contact and promote GenoRobotics !
- Develop a sponsoring dossier
- Find yearly sponsors for the association: funds and in kind (equipment, materials, services)
- Find sponsors & partners for specific events (workshops, expedition,…)
- Crowdfunding campaign
Keywords: fundraising, sponsoring, partners, network
The GenoRobotics projects aims at enabling DNA analyse directly in the field in order to facilitate the work of field work. Every prototype is then tested during a yearly scientific expedition with future user in order to review the pros and cons of the last prototypes.
2023 Scientific expedition
10 Students
The goal of this expedition is to test 2 prototypes: the microneedles stapler and the DNA quantifier as well as to test the nanopore DNA sequencing protocol developed on plants.
Want to participate on D-Day ? Let us know !
- Set up a scientific expedition to test the prototypes (preparation, logistics, budget…)
- Interact with actors in field biology and ecology to find partner projects
- Communication & promotion
Keywords: scientific expedition, ecology, network, funding, logistic, communication
2024 Madagascar expedition
10 Students
The goal of this expedition is to test our devices, protocoles and knowledge in a challenging environment with lush flora.
- Set up a scientific expedition
- Interact with actors in field biology and ecology to find partner projects
- Fundraising
- Communication & promotion
Keywords: scientific expedition, ecology, network, funding, logistic, communication
If you didn’t find a suitable project listed but are still interested in joining GenoRobotics, you are most welcome to contact us!
We will do our very best to work something out.