Hello,
I want to create a self sustaining bacteria lamp using multiple microorganisms that live in symbiosis together. I heavily refer this project to the “biobulb“. My plan is using bioluminescent e.coli containing the pVIB plasmid, an algae species the e.coli feed on and a predatory protist that recycles the nutrients. So this ecosystem is self sustaining as long as it keeps in balace and gets enough light. I wanted to ask, whether anyone knows which predatory protist and algae specied may be most suitable because the e.coli have to feed on the algae and the algae have to be mostly translucent to see the glow through. OH, and it is important that the e.coli does not kill all the algae, so it would have to have a short generation time
Thanks very much,
regards,
André
This is certainly a cool idea. As the previous respondent mentioned, there are a variety of organisms that you can use including some vibrio species and luminescent algae or maybe even small shrimp. The problem with a system such is this, especially if you want to maximize brightness, organism byproducts and toxins will build up-slowly killing the system. I am suggesting some sort of removable-filtration system (maybe the base of the bulb (under the screw threads?)) like they use in aquaria--that can be periodically removed and replaced without disturbing the system too much.
Thats sort of what I thought, but I thought about using the predatory animal/organism (preferably a protist or procaryot) just as recycling center and not as bioluminescent source, but this may alsl look cool...
Maybe using Spirulina as e.coli food and artemia as recyclers? The problem is that the e.coli food will need to be nutritous and fast-regenerating or else the e.coli may kill the food completely or the bacterial density for expressing the lux gene won't be reached.
There are some bioluminescent fungi that could sustain themselves for a long time on decomposing wood, and would not require light themselves.
Hello, A great idea of combining life cycles of 3 species from 3 different kingdoms, for a sustainable, concerted sequential bioglow. Getting a right feed algae for its digestibility & nutritionality to support the growth of the of the E.coli will be avery important step. Planktons with strong cell walls, have limited digestibility. There are some heterotrophic Clorella sp. with compromised cell walls and can grow faster. As a recycler, you may consider some mushrooms (enven edible/or glowing one). Again, to bring the selected trio in a sequential harmonized life cycle, you may need to compromise for growth rates of these organisms. Good luck.
The idea is cool. Unfortunately, the system will be contaminated with unwanted micro organisms very soon. The gasses need to be changed also, not only the nutrients. Luminescent bacteria will not be able to compete with wild strains for a long time and therefore the bulb and contents should be sterilized before turning the lights on but then your algae and shrimps die....good luck for the trials anyhow!
Like the idea! Just random thoughts, but maybe you could use a porous patch for gaseous exchange with outside - rather like 'sun bags' used for plant tissue culture? Also, maybe routine maintenance could consist of a gentle flush via a filter inlet valve with some fluid 'running to waste' via a similar exit valve, in rather the same way as excess salts can be 'bled' from a recirculating hydroponics system? Will think hard about other possible candidate organisms...best of luck with this idea!
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