Overview
Our team aims to inspire and empower increased actions to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of industrial emissions and everyday human waste by leveraging our strengths and fostering collaborations. Throughout the development of our project, we have generated valuable insights and resources that we hope will benefit the iGEM community and beyond.
New Parts – Increased Activity and Efficiency
This year, we contributed a total of 12 basic and 9 composite parts related to Polyethylene terephthalate degradation, with IsPETase-S121E/R224Q/N233K and BhrPETase-N205G representing a well-characterized and validated improvement over its wild-type counterpart. Through multiple rounds of experimental testing and rigorous data analysis, we confirmed that the mutated enzyme exhibits enhanced catalytic activity compared to the wild-type enzyme, optimizing its interaction with PET substrates, and improving the enzyme's overall performance in degrading this persistent pollutant. This contribution to the iGEM Distribution Kit is poised to support innovative solutions in the combat against plastic pollution, contributing to future projects and developments in the fields of environmental remediation, waste management, and sustainable development.
Model – Effective AI Tools
Our AI model is specifically trained to predict the activity of newly engineered parts, potentially enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of experimental design and outcomes. This model, which we have made available on GitHub, can be utilized by the iGEM community to predict the activity of other PETase variants. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource and example for future iGEM teams looking to develop AI models with similar capabilities, thereby contributing to ongoing research and innovation within the iGEM community and creating a positive impact on broader society.
Hardware
Engagement in Daily Life
Our consumer reactor is designed for everyday use and is intended for individual consumers. It attaches to the opening of plastic water bottles, filtering the water as it is consumed. The reactor traps microplastic particles within the bottle, preventing them from entering the body. Inside the bottle,cyanobacteria break down the captured microplastics. Since daily plastic use is a significant source of harmful particles entering the body, integrating this bioreactor into people's daily lives helps address the issue at its source while reducing costs. This approach offers an economical solution for protecting people from the harmful effects of microplastic pollution and a design that can be further utilized within the iGEM community to achieve sustainable development.
Self-Sustained Ecosystem Integration
Our environmental bioreactor is designed to operate within wetlands, where it filters water and captures microplastic particles for degradation. Within the reactor, cyanobacteria break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate) into TPA (terephthalic acid), and rhodobacteria further degrade TPA into CO₂ and H₂O, which are then released back into the environment. This creates a self-sustaining cycle within the bioreactor, ensuring the continuous degradation of microplastics. The self-sustained nature of the system minimizes the need for human intervention and reduces the physical resources required for the reactor's operation and maintenance. By integrating a self-sustaining system into the reactor, we decrease operational costs while ensuring consistent and effective degradation. This innovation not only advances the utilization of our bioreactor but also supports the broader goal of sustainable development at the societal level.
Human Practice Brainstorm Method – The "REACTS" model
Our Human Practices team organized events and conducted interviews with experts to advance our project. The public engagement aspect of our Human Practices efforts raised awareness of the problem we aim to address, while our interactions with experts provided essential support during challenging moments. Below is the thought process we followed when designing and organizing our events. This method allowed us to embrace diverse perspectives from professionals in the field and continuously refine our project with a well-rounded approach.
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable development is a long and ongoing journey that requires the awareness and active participation of both current and future generations. Our project offers a durable and impactful approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reducing microplastic pollution is a critical step toward realizing the ideals of ‘Good Health and Well-Being,’ ‘Clean Water and Sanitation,’ ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities,’ ‘Life Below Water,’ and ‘Life on Land.’ We hope that our contribution not only provides a strong foundation for this journey but also helps create a better, more sustainable future that goes beyond the present.