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Open projects list

Open projects

Microneedles

We develop a new pipeline for plant DNA extraction based on the use of a microneedle patch.

1. Microneedles Patch
3 Students
Available positions

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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

DNA sequencing

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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

Water sampling

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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

Database

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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 open positions

Association positions

Communication
Communication and promotion
3 Students
Available positions

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
Sponsoring
3 Students
Available positions

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

Expedition

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
Available positions

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
Available positions

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.

Want to join the adventure?

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