Protein and gene circuit level synthetic bioengineering can require years to develop a single target. Phage assisted continuous evolution (PACE) is a powerful new tool for rapidly engineering new genes and proteins, but the method requires an automated cell culture system, making it inaccessible to non industrial research programs. Complex protein functions, like specific binding, require similarly dynamic PACE selection that can be alternatively induced or suppressed, with heat labile chemicals like tetracycline. Selection conditions must be controlled continuously over days, with adjustments made every few minutes. To make PACE experiments accessible to the broader community, we designed dedicated cell culture hardware and integrated optogenetically controlled plasmids. The low cost and open source platform allows a user to conduct PACE with continuous monitoring and precise control of evolution using light.

Chronic wounds affect many people worldwide and significantly impact their quality of life. Hydrogel wound dressings are a promising option for chronic wounds due to their properties, including mild fabrication conditions, high water content, biodegradability, and bioactive molecule delivery capabilities. This thesis will explore the mechanisms that contribute to the wound healing properties of a bovine type I collagen-based hydrogel that incorporates platelet-rich plasma and describe how this hydrogel will be capable of effectively healing chronic wounds.