Contribution

We have developed a range of innovative tools and resources to support future iGEM teams, with the aim of advancing research, experimentation, and education in synthetic biology. These tools include:
  1. Accessible and inexpensive PACE system: to precisely evolve biomolecules with minimal researcher intervention, using iterative tools tailored to user needs
  2. Novel optogenetic controls using CcaS/CcaR and UirR/UirS: to provide an affordable method to control gene expression in E. coli and facilitate greater multiplexing iterations
  3. Open-source machine learning models for binding peptides: to enable exploration and application of machine learning solutions in protein engineering
  4. Ethics framework focused on downstream effects and applications: to assist future iGEM teams in considering ways to expand the positive impacts of their projects while mitigating unintentional negative consequences
  5. Workshop series on synthetic biology: to offer hands-on learning in cloning techniques by engineering E. coli to express different-colored pigments.
Accessible and Inexpensive Hardware System for PACE

With this, future iGEM teams can:

  1. Precisely engineer proteins, tRNAs, metabolic pathways, and other biomolecules faster than traditional directed evolution methods, with less researcher intervention, and at a significantly lower cost (<$200) compared to previous PACE and PANCE systems
  2. Iterate through experiments more rapidly to refine designs and achieve results quicker, allowing for better allocation of time and resources to other critical aspects of projects
  3. Learn how to build models in CAD, wire complex circuits, and code in Arduino through a simple step-by-step procedure
Hardware


Novel Optogenetic Controls using CcaS/CcaR and UirR/UirS

With this, future iGEM teams can:

  1. Employ our new composite part (BBa_K5431014 on the iGEM registry) for selection, gene expression monitoring, or as a biosensor for environmental and biological research
  2. Monitor gene expression more affordably and more reliably compared to complex sugars, which are commonly used as chemical inducers in PACE and can be more expensive and inconsistent in tuning effectiveness
  3. Achieve multiplexing with more wavelengths of light, resulting in enhanced control and optimization of PACE and PANCE systems
Optogenetics


Generative Models for Binding Peptides

With this, future iGEM teams can:

  1. Design and optimize binding peptides with greater speed and precision using generative modeling, even without prior machine learning experience
  2. Gain hands-on experience in designing and evaluating small binding peptides with novel, state-of-the-art models
  3. Deploy toy models and receive a straightforward, informative introduction to current standards in computational structural modeling
Software


Synthetic Biology Ethics Framework

With this, future iGEM teams can:

  1. Utilize this ethics framework in classrooms, workshops, or labs to teach aspiring synthetic biologists how to consider the ethical implications of their research
  2. Expand and adapt this framework, evolving it to suit their own project needs
Ethics Framework


Workshop Series on Synthetic Biology

With this, future iGEM teams can:

  1. Implement a workshop series into their own projects, enabling learners to practice cloning techniques in a low-pressure environment
  2. Adapt and expand the workshop series to meet the specific educational needs of their students or community
  3. Draw inspiration to develop other engaging and effective educational materials
Workshop Series