PE pollution has been a worldwide problem and has raised a lot of concerns recently. While there have been more and more people trying to solve the problem through biological methods, there is few research on the micro plastics degradation in the mangrove forest, the precious coastline ecosystem. Our project focused on mangrove forest PE pollution especially, providing a potential approach to biodegradation.
The core element of the Mangrove PE&CO2 hunters' system is a "twin system" formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The P.aeruginosa is responsible for capture the PE particles, and carry out the degradation process. While the reactions happen, there will be electrons and bicarbonates generated within the bacteria. After transfer our designed plasmid into P.aeruginosa, it obtains the ability to deliver its products mentioned, the electrons and bicarbonates into R.palustris, speeding up the reactions within the bacteria, therefore enhance its ability of carbon sequestration. The engineered R.palustris will produce more cellular than the wild type, fixing the carbon in the soil. In our system, we make sure that microPE waste will be degraded and be safely stored in the soil, restrains the release of extra carbon dioxide.
Our project also has a reliable suicide module ensuring the safety problem. Based on the application scenario, we build the suicide program of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using citrate as the promotor. Only the right amount of citrate can let the bacteria live, whether on land or in the sea, once the citrate level outranged the certain level of a mangrove forest, the promotor would start the suicide process and kill itself. This approach can help us avoid the potential leaking pasmids and bacteria problems.
PE-binding peptide
Plastic-binding peptides are adsorbed to the plastic surface by hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular forces. Considering that PE-binding peptides has not been extensively studied and we did not find the sequence of PEBP in the paper, we decided to predict PEBP sequence by modeling method. We performed machine learning training; then performed special processing and tried to introduce neural networks. Finally, several predictors were given, and our experiment confirmed that the predicted PE could function effectively. This part provides a great help for future teams in the design of project about PE plastics. (For detail information please visit part BBa_K5291050)
AlkB-Rd45-AdhA
As AlkB2 needs one or more redox partners to obtain electrons for monooxygenation reactions, we link rubredoxin Rd45 from alkane hydroxylase-rubredoxin fusion gene alkW1 in Dietzia sp. DQ12-45-1b after AlkB2. This protein enables AlkB2 to play a better role without coupling more rubredoxin proteins. Besides have shown that AlkB will consume NADH while Adh will consume NAD+ and produce NADH in catalyzation. In order to facilitate the further degradation of n-alkane and reproduction of NADH, we fuse AdhA after the Rd45 protein so that this three core of fusion protein can form a cycle of electron and NADH transport. (For detail information please visit part BBa_K5291033)
pS promoter
We examined a variety of promoters and finally found a broad host promoter-pS . This could help future teams design plasmids in a variety of chassis organisms. (For detail information please visit part BBa_K5291040)
Strategy of boosting gene expression
We use a series of parts to boost the gene. RNAase III and self-lysis RNA sequence were used as insulators to Eliminate the interference between upstream and downstream genes. And genes in our component parts were co-expressed successfully. (For detail information please visit part BBa_K5291034)
We design a detective instrument that could measure the microplastics content. It is a protein-based chemistry sensor. While the water flowed through, the small particles would leave on the filter sheet due to the electrical field. Then, the voltage would change, indicating the amount of PE in the water sample.
In this volunteer teaching activity, we collaborated with iGBA committee members from HKUST and UM-MACAU to design innovative educational activities for local schools, where biology education is relatively underdeveloped. Through engaging and interactive games, we successfully introduced the fundamental concepts of synthetic biology into the classroom.
Looking ahead, we plan to revisit these schools to reinforce students' understanding of these concepts and explore the possibility of long-term collaboration with the event sponsor, Yixin Scholarship, a non-profit organization.
This year, we co-organized the 2nd iGEM Greater Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia-Research Forum in collaboration with Sustech-Med, HKUST, and UM-MACAU. Through close partnerships with various industry and academic institutions, we made significant breakthroughs in the promotion and application of synthetic biology technology.
As one of the forum organizers, we not only managed promotion and material preparation but also took the lead in planning the HP workshop. This provided participants with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Human Practices through guided discussions.
We actively reached out to institutions such as iSynbio, Shanghai Yanyin Tech., and Suzhou Hongxun Biotech to facilitate seamless connections between scientific research and industrial applications.
To ensure the sustainability of the iGBA platform, we recognized the importance of formalization. The establishment of the iGBA Committee, in collaboration with core members from HKUST and UM-MACAU, has not only enhanced the efficiency of organizing current activities but also laid a solid foundation for future synthetic biology outreach efforts.
Under the leadership of the committee, we plan to further expand iGBA's international influence, using the Greater Bay Area as a foundation to build a key global platform for synthetic biology innovation and collaboration.
As a member of the iGBA committee, we successfully partnered with UM-MACAU, NWU-China-A, and SCUT-China-S to establish a new platform focused on discussing and advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This event provided a unique opportunity for iGEM teams across China to collaborate, fostering cross-regional cooperation and accelerating the implementation of innovative projects in environmental protection and sustainable development. We plan to regularly organize similar events to deepen collaboration between teams and drive progress towards achieving the SDGs through shared outcomes.
We effectively leveraged our resources to connect with Ar. Wang Dapeng, an expert in public science popularization, and initiated group interviews through the iGBA platform. This approach significantly enhanced the diversity of perspectives and insights gathered during our Human Practices work.
Currently, only about 0.002% of people in China consistently support charitable causes through monthly donations. During our exploration of potential collaborations with the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF), we decided to join MCF's monthly donation program, becoming the first individual/team to participate in 2024.
Through the iGEM platform, we not only raised public awareness about the importance of mangrove conservation but also encouraged others to participate in donation and protection efforts for mangroves. We believe that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact in the conservation of these vital ecosystems.
As representatives of our university, we facilitated a collaboration between the university's volunteer organization and local mangrove reserves. In our first independently organized volunteer service, which combined educational activities, we attracted nearly 30 volunteers, collectively accumulating 90 volunteer hours. For more details, visit our collaboration page.
Moving forward, we plan to regularly organize similar volunteer services, leveraging both online promotion and offline interactions to attract more participants and expand the social impact of our project. Additionally, the involvement of volunteers has provided tangible support to our efforts, further advancing our goals of mangrove conservation and plastic pollution management.
