FPGA based Directional control of MTB cells For Bioengineering Applications

We designed a circuit using the logic elements of FPGA for controlling MTB. The circuit is connected to a mesh of coil, where a path of magnetic field is created using FPGA. The MTB’s motility is controlled in a particular direction along this path. Then the bacterial invasion is studied highlighting how the MTB cells and mutant cells interact using the FPGA based controller. Introduction Magnetotactic bacteria (or MTB) are a group of bacteria that orient along the magnetic field lines of Earth's magnetic field. These bacteria have organelles called magnetosomes that contain magnetic crystals, which aid in aligning with the magnetic field. MTB’s can be used in various applications like MEMS, Micro Total Analysis Systems and lab-on-chip. Magnetotactic bacteria can be guided along a predefined path by controlling the magnetic field, these bacteria can sense the magnetic field and can align itself towards the field to move towards the North Pole. By changing the magnetic field along a predetermined path, these bacteria can be guided. This property can be adventurous for invasion of MTB in the mutant cells. Materials and Methods We used a 32 AWG coil of thickness 50 micrometer to make a tiny mesh that creates a path for the bacteria by creating the magnetic field. Altera DE2 board is used to provide the current supply for the coil and also to change the direction and the strength of magnetic field. The MTB bacteria is used for the experiment.