Overview
Microplastic particles are increasingly degrading the health of ecosystems and infiltrating our daily lives. On
average, people ingest approximately 70,000 microplastic particles annually [1]
through the consumption of meat from animals affected by plastic pollution, plants grown in contaminated soil,
and drinking water containing microplastics. Once inside the body, these particles travel through the
circulatory system and have been found in various organs, including the placenta and even newborn infants.
The environmental and economic impacts of plastic pollution are immense. It is estimated that the loss of 1-5%
of marine ecosystem services due to plastic pollution results in a financial loss ranging from 500 billion to
2.5 trillion dollars per year[2]. As a long-term issue, the societal costs of plastic
pollution continue to grow, making it essential for us to seek sustainable solutions.
In our ongoing experiment, now in its fourth cycle, we are focusing on using cyanobacteria and rhodobacteria
within a bioreactor to degrade microplastics present in water. We have designed two reactors to address this
problem: one for environmental settings and another for daily household use. By tackling the root of the issue,
our goal is to mitigate the effects of microplastic pollution both in the natural world and in our everyday
lives.
These reactors are intended to enter the market, providing individuals with an accessible and effective way to
reduce the impact of microplastic pollution on their daily lives. Through this approach, we aim to reduce the
economic losses caused by microplastics while also preventing the potential health risks they pose to society.
Main Product
Our hardware comes in two versions, each for different purposes. Together, these bioreactors offer a dual
approach to tackling microplastic pollution—at both the environmental and individual levels. By providing
effective solutions for both large-scale and personal use, our reactors are well-positioned to have a
significant, lasting impact on reducing microplastic pollution and improving public health.
The environmental reactor is designed for large-scale environmental use and is intended to be placed in wetlands.
Water passes through the bioreactor, where microplastic particles are captured and degraded. Inside the reactor,
cyanobacteria break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate) into TPA and GE, and rhodobacteria further degrade TPA
and GE into CO₂ and H2O, which is then released back into the environment. This creates a self-sustaining cycle
within the bioreactor, ensuring continuous degradation of microplastics. This product offers a scalable,
long-term solution to a widespread issue. The potential market includes environmental agencies, municipalities,
and large-scale industrial operations tasked with managing water purification. This version not only helps
reduce environmental pollution but also lowers operational costs over time due to its self-sustaining nature.
Currently, global plastic production is rising steadily. In China, it reached 62.85 million in the first half of
2024, an increase of 5.9% compared to last year[3] . With a consumption of 7 million
tons per year[4] . This tremendous amount of plastic production and consumption
provides extensive opportunity and market for our product. Moreover, the biodegradable plastic industry, such as
PLA & PBAT in China, faces severe competition, with a production capacity of 1 million tons, but the average
operating rate of PBAT in 2023 is only maintained at about 13% [5] . Also, we are
experiencing a period of innovation; the government is posting policies that encourage the elimination of
plastic pollution. According to “The Economic Observer” posted in 2024, in July 2020, the National Development
and Reform Commission issued the Notice on Solidly Promoting the Control of Plastic Pollution. Moreover, this
led to an increase in invention[6]. This demonstrates a future developing market for
our product.
The first picture in the row is our third version of the bioreactor; this is a draft of our environmental
reactor. The second picture in the row is our fourth version of the bioreactor. We designed it to be put in
wetlands with seawater, and we drew different layers of the reactor, with a solar panel on top absorbing
sunlight and turning it into energy for the bioreactor.
The 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 people drink. The reactor traps microplastic particles
within the bottle, preventing them from entering the body. The captured microplastics are then broken down by
cyanobacteria inside the bottle. This design helps reduce the ingestion of microplastics, providing an effective
way
to combat plastic pollution in daily life. This product targets individual health-conscious consumers. With
rising
awareness of the health risks posed by ingesting microplastics, there is a clear demand for products that offer
protection at a personal level. This version provides a simple, accessible way for individuals to reduce their
exposure to microplastics. It could appeal to eco-conscious consumers, families, and businesses in the health
and
wellness market. The first picture is a model of our first bioreactor, and the second one is a raw reactor being
made. In this picture, we can see a bottle that represents the water bottles we use to drink. Then, on top,
there is
a filter similar to a water filter on a faucet.
Side Products
To sustain our entrepreneurial approach for the hardware and to expand our influence, we adopted an
entrepreneurial approach by designing and selling products related to our mission. We chose the blue whale as
the central symbol of our designs, resonating with our goal of protection: safeguarding water bodies, ensuring
the health and well-being of all living creatures, and maintaining the delicate balance between human
development and nature. The blue whale symbolizes protection, motherhood, matriarchal strength, and
guardianship, representing inclusiveness and magnanimity. Culturally, the whale is also connected to the Chinese
mythical creature Kun (鲲), symbolizing freedom, potential, and the limitless possibilities of life.
Centered around the whale symbol, we designed a variety of artistic merchandise, including:
- Post cards
- Lenticular cards
- Tear-apart Polaroids
- Card Sleeves
- Ring
- Necklace
- Mascot
Post cards
Postcards, there are 9 postcards in this set, each of which is linked to the theme of BASIS-China iGEM
2024 - Plastic Pollution, illustrating the harm that plastics do to our poor creatures and people
through beautiful drawings, and there is even a series linked to our short story "The Blue Whale and the
Little Girl”. The postcard was designed to make people aware of the existence of plastic pollution and
the danger it poses to us as soon as they see the postcard. This is also in line with the slogan of
BASIS-China iGEM 2024 "Less pollution, more life".
Lenticular cards
Lenticular cards, the core feature of lenticular card is it's show of dynamic, three-dimensional image
effects through special lenticular material and printing technology. When you look at the lenticular
card from different angles, you will see a completely different picture content, this wonderful visual
experience can instantly attract people's attention. BASIS-China iGEM 2024 puts the hazards of plastics
and our team's solutions to them with the changing effects of the lenticular cards, reflecting the
notion of iGEM: "Local people solve local problems".
Tear-apart Polaroids
Tear-apart Polaroid is a carefully crafted and innovative photographic product that presents a unique
experience that approximates a traditional tear polaroid. The design of this product highly restores the
classic style of the tearing Polaroid, which gives a feeling like going back to the era of photography
and retro feelings. However, the inner part of the product is integrated with modern advanced
technology, which makes it more in line with the needs of today's users. Tear-apart Polaroid is like a
blind box; you never know what's under the black cover. It could be an ocean as clear as a crystal
mirror or the sight of plastic piling up to doom on the ocean. Plastic is far more harmful to nature
than we can imagine, and BASIS-China iGEM 2024 is working hard to make a small difference to the scene
in front of us. We hope that our audience will also be inspired by our spirit.
Card Sleeves
Card sleeves, the inspiration for this card holder came from an article published by the public health
committee, "the microplastics people eat in a week is the same size as a bank card". We decided that we
should do something about it. To remind people of this message.
Ring
The rings are still inspired by the mascot of the Team BASIS-China iGEM 2024, and the whale's graceful
lines are just right to wrap around the hand as a ring, which also symbolizes the harmonious coexistence
between humans and animals. The ring is made of ceramic, gray in color, with blue and yellow lines that
wrap around the whale-like runes.
Necklace
Necklaces, BASIS-China iGEM 2024 has two types of necklaces for sale, the Molecular Structure Necklace and the
Whale Series Necklace. The idea of a molecular structure necklace was very peculiar, and with the
principle that beauty is all around us, we started to study the shape of the plastic molecular structure
and settled on our theme PET for the final product. His seemingly regular, yet unusual structure in one
place attracted us to its realization and we decided to showcase this irregular, yet unique beauty in
the form of a necklace. As for the whale series, we focused on the graceful curves of the creature and
used gold and silver to show its beauty and give it color.
Mascot
Mascots, I'm sure you've all heard the saying "A whale falls and everything grows", and the whale
symbolizes the millions of creatures in the ocean. Therefore, in the context of our Plastic Pollution
Project, we decided to use the whale as our mascot, and to remind people who buy the whale of the
millions of creatures that have been harmed by plastic. BASIS-China iGEM 2024 has thoughtfully prepared
whale dolls for everyone. Whether you want a plush doll that you can squish when you're feeling down, or
a small pendant doll that you can use to decorate your school bag or belt, we have it all.
Summary
Each product serves a unique purpose, whether practical or decorative, but more importantly, they all
convey our message of sustainable development and the hope for a better environmental future.
We launched these products on social media web stores and hosted offline charity sales. Apart from the
proceeds used to sustain our hardware production, the profits made from our products were donated to
UNESCO, an initiative closely aligned with our mission to combat plastic pollution and promote
sustainable development. With the charity sale hosted in campus’s and products sold on online stores, we
were able to dig deeper in to the market that would fit for our main product, and the audience for it.
Through these efforts, we increased our team's social impact and brought the goal of environmental
protection to life.
Impacts
The introduction of our bioreactor to the market has the potential to significantly impact both the
environmental and industrial sectors. As microplastic pollution becomes an increasingly urgent global issue,
our innovative use of PETase and cyanobacteria offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared
to traditional plastic degradation methods.
Our bioreactor, designed specifically for wetland water cycles, addresses a critical gap in the market by
providing a scalable and accessible method to reduce microplastics. Its auto-cyclic system ensures
long-term, stable performance, offering a sustainable solution that tackles the problem at its source.
Additionally, our bioreactor for daily use is an innovative design that fits seamlessly into everyday life,
making it accessible to a broad range of consumers. This product effectively reduces microplastics entering
our bodies, helping to mitigate the health risks associated with plastic pollution.
Through events like charity sales around the country, we realized that as public awareness grows and
regulations tighten, the demand for sustainable technologies like ours is expected to rise. Our solution not
only lowers operational costs for water purification and waste management but also delivers positive
environmental outcomes.
With its unique technology and the right strategic market positioning, we believe our bioreactor has the
potential to be a game-changer in the fight against microplastic pollution.
References