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The system comprises a genetic circuit delivered via plasmid into E. coli, combining a synthetic RNA message encoding “Smello World”, a toehold switch that recognises this message, and the scent-producing gene ATF1. When the specific RNA message is expressed, the toehold switch unfolds to permit ATF1 translation, producing a banana-like scent detectable by humans.
Initial experiments showed that one toehold-switch variant produced the intended trigger-gated olfactory phenotype, while another showed constitutive leakiness. A parallel version using GFP provided a quantitative output and exposed further challenges around background expression and metabolic burden.
The project is intentionally framed as an initial proof of concept: an expressive mode of biological data sensing that reframes DNA as a responsive substrate rather than only a static, archival medium. Future iterations will explore cell-free biosensing, reducing dependency on living organisms and opening possibilities for portable, biosafe applications in objects, wearables and the built environment.