Overview

In all our activities, we prioritize the social implementation of the project as a core consideration. The key to successfully implementing a project at the social level lies in meticulously and creatively demonstrating its rationality and sense of responsibility. From the initiation of the project to the finalization of the wiki, we continuously review and evaluate the project in accordance with the iGEM Human Practice principles.

Throughout the entire cycle of the activity, Human Practice feedback played a crucial role in the following aspects: first, in clarifying the overall concept of the project; second, in the production process of melanin; third, in transforming melanin into the materials we need; fourth, in exploring its applications in aerospace and radiation fields; and finally, in sharing and in-depth discussion of the project.

Our team, ECIB_PKU, was established in April 2024 as an iGEM team. Initially, we were just a group of people with a keen interest in synthetic biology, coming from different regions, schools, and varying in age. It was the platform of the East China Industrial Research Institute of Life Sciences at Peking University that brought us together. Since the inception of our team, we have always adhered to the iGEM Human Practice philosophy. When engaging in Human Practice activities, we always keep two core points in mind:

Firstly, we engage in active interaction and exchange of opinions with a wide range of stakeholders. By reaching out to various stakeholders including experts, enterprises, and the public, we have gained valuable insights and collected precious feedback about the project.

Secondly, we make full use of the insights and feedback obtained from the first point. Through continuous iteration and optimization, we are committed to enhancing the overall quality of the project.

1.1 Investigation into Melanin and its Antiradiation Properties

We conducted a survey on melanin and radiation by inviting the public to fill out a questionnaire. The purpose of this survey was to understand the respondents’ knowledge and opinions on topics such as synthetic biology, space exploration, radiation protection, and melanin. Through the design of the questionnaire, we collected data on various aspects including gender, age, level of understanding of synthetic biology, issues that need to be addressed in space exploration, the dangers of space radiation to astronauts, knowledge about radiation leakage incidents, sources of radiation in daily life, measures to reduce radiation exposure, and awareness and understanding of melanin.

[Jinshan Docs] ECIB_PKU-Melanin-Questionnaire.pdf

We have received 75 responses, and based on the analysis of the survey results, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Among the respondents, females accounted for a higher proportion, approximately 58.67%, while males accounted for about 22.67%. The imbalance in gender ratio may have a certain impact on the survey results.

2. A majority of the respondents in our survey (72%) have heard of synthetic biology, which indicates that synthetic biology is somewhat known to the public. However, the limited distribution of the survey questionnaire may have an impact on the survey results.

3. In the matter of space exploration, respondents generally believe that humans need to address issues such as transportation, habitat, food, radiation, life support, resource utilization, and human health, with life support and resource utilization being considered the most important.

4. Regarding the dangers of space radiation, respondents commonly believe it can lead to cancer, acute radiation sickness, and vision problems, indicating that the respondents have a certain understanding of the hazards of space radiation.

5. A majority of the respondents (94.67%) are aware that hospital CT scans can lead to radiation exposure, which suggests that the respondents have a certain understanding of the sources of radiation in everyday life.

6. In terms of measures to reduce radiation exposure, respondents primarily take actions such as using sunscreen or umbrellas, avoiding unnecessary X-rays, and staying away from radiation sources, although there is a portion of respondents who do not take any measures.

7. Most of the respondents (88%) have heard of melanin, but their understanding of its main functions and applications is not deep, indicating a need for further science popularization.

In summary, the respondents have a certain level of understanding about space exploration, radiation protection, and melanin, but there are still some deficiencies in specific knowledge and applications. It is recommended to strengthen related science popularization efforts to enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of these important issues.

1.2 Gao Rencheng (Executive Deputy Director of the Vocational Training Center, East China Industrial Research Institute of Life Sciences, Peking University)

• We decided to explore space with space synthetic biology and started thinking about which direction we should start.

• We introduced our project to Gao Rencheng, the Executive Deputy Director of the Vocational Training Center at the East China Industrial Research Institute of Life Sciences, Peking University, and received his feedback and strong support.

We are focusing our attention on space synthetic biology, aiming to address issues that have not yet been truly resolved. We understand that space radiation is intense and currently lacks effective methods for radiation protection. Existing protective methods are not only costly to transport but also less than ideal in terms of effectiveness. Therefore, we intend to use genetic engineering and gene editing techniques to modify microorganisms, creating a substance that can provide radiation protection.

At the same time, we received feedback and discussed with Director Gao Rencheng, confirming the use of space synthetic biology to explore space and focusing our direction on radiation protection. We invited him to serve as our Principal Investigator (PI) and, with his assistance, to complete our Human Practice. He will provide us with resources and connections to ensure the smooth progress of our project.

1.3 Dong Yiming (Partner and Chief Scientist at Xinspace Technology)

• We began searching for methods to protect against space radiation. We discussed this with Dr. Dong Yiming, who has deep expertise in the field of synthetic biology.

After determining the direction of radiation protection, we discussed with Dr. Dong Yiming that we want to address the radiation issue. After reading a large amount of literature, we believe that using melanin for radiation protection is a feasible method; at the same time, we will also explore the possibility of microorganisms using radiation energy for biosynthesis, providing a source of organic matter for sustainable space travel.

We received feedback and support from Dr. Dong. She has agreed to become our Instructor, organizing and chairing team meetings; helping us complete tasks on time, and developing project and experimental plans. She will also provide advice on data analysis, modeling, and wiki-related matters.

2.Melanin Production

2.1 Dr. Peng Cheng (General Manager of Qidong Yunchheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)

• We decided to use engineered bacteria to produce melanin, and we found Dr. Peng Cheng and discussed with him. Dr. Peng Cheng has been engaged in biotechnology and synthetic biology.

We had an in-depth discussion with Dr. Peng Cheng to clarify the key points that need to be focused on during the melanin production process and the matters we should be aware of. We exchanged views on the product, such as which type of engineered bacteria is more suitable for self-regulation, and how to effectively produce melanin using such engineered bacteria. We also touched on legal issues, such as the legality of selling components produced by Escherichia coli. During the discussion, we made a decision to choose Escherichia coli as the chassis organism and to knock in the hppd gene that controls melanin production. Next, we plan to conduct ultraviolet irradiation or ionizing radiation experiments.

As we are not proficient in technology, we sought technical feedback from Dr. Peng Cheng. Through our understanding, we learned that the synthesis of melanin is influenced by various factors.

Additionally, we received feedback and negotiated with Dr. Peng Cheng, who agreed to let his laboratory serve as our research base. For a year, he has been providing us with technical advice and support.

2.2 Dr. Li Zheng (General Manager of Qidong Fangjing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)

• We are interested in studying the expression of the hppd gene, which encodes melanin, in eukaryotic organisms to understand its expression patterns across different species. Therefore, we reached out to Dr. Li Zheng.

We had an in-depth exchange with Dr. Li Zheng, discussing our idea of finding a eukaryotic organism as the chassis organism, such as yeast, and planning to transform ordinary brewing yeast into a yeast that can produce melanin through gene editing techniques. Our goal is to conduct ionizing radiation experiments to verify the effect of melanin in radiation protection. Dr. Li Zheng showed a keen interest in our project and generously assisted us in designing the experimental plan, providing valuable support for the completion of our project.

2.3 Li Yiwen (Professor at the Polymer Science and Engineering College, Sichuan University, and a Leading Scholar and Technician in Sichuan Province)

• We use melanin for radiation protection, but we do not fully understand its synthesis pathway, properties, etc.

• We learned that Professor Li Yiwen from the Polymer Science and Engineering College at Sichuan University specializes in the production and application of melanin.

On September 12, 2024, at the end of our wet lab project, we identified a significant market opportunity related to our research. To begin, we conducted research on the current uses of melanin in various industries and its applications in everyday life. During this process, we discovered a paper that highlighted Professor Yiwen Li’s lab, which is actively working on the chemical synthesis of melanin and has made significant progress in commercializing melanin products. As a result, we invited Dr. Lei Yang from Professor Yiwen Li’s lab to give our team a short presentation on product commercialization and the current opportunities and challenges in the market.

During the meeting, Dr. Lei Yang provided a brief introduction to their research, explaining how they synthesize melanin through organic chemistry and its applications across different industries. We also introduced our project design and future plans. Dr. Lei Yang was impressed by the potential of synthetic biology to compete with traditional chemical synthesis. However, they also pointed out several challenges, such as the high cost of synthesis and issues with quality control. Together, we discussed the pros and cons of synthesizing melanin through synthetic biology compared to the existing methods of chemical synthesis and natural extraction.

Dr. Lei Yang suggested that we focus on supplying melanin to high net worth markets, such as the cosmetics industry and products for daily protection like sunscreen. Since melanin is a polymer with the ability to form various crystal structures to achieve different functions, one of our key advantages is the balance we strike between cost and functionality. Melanin produced via chemical methods may not offer the same UV radiation protection as biologically synthesized melanin, due to the complexity of living organisms.

3.Project Sharing and Discussion

3.1 Materials

3.1.1 Blue Crystal Microorganisms （a company specializing in molecular and material innovation using synthetic biology technology）.

• We initially planned to make aerogels, but we were not very familiar with their properties, which resulted in slow progress in our experiments.

• Therefore, we found a Chinese company specializing in materials using synthetic biology - Blue Crystal Microorganisms; after talking with three teachers from Blue Crystal Microorganisms, we decided to use polyacrylamide crosslinking to make hydrogel microspheres.

Under the guidance of teachers Liu Xinyu, Zong Yeqing, and Xu Shun, we visited Blue Crystal Microbiology, where the three teachers explained to us from the perspectives of materials science and biology. From this conversation, we decided to use sodium alginate mixed with bacterial broth to create hydrogel microspheres, with polyacrylamide used for cross-linking. We also came up with an innovative idea - using spiders or silkworms as chassis organisms to produce silk with melanin through synthetic biology methods. Although we have not taken any action recently, we will boldly attempt this in the coming year.

In our communication with them, we initially understood that the operation of a company cannot be separated from business planning, resource integration, marketing, financial management, and operations. We had an in-depth discussion on the commercialization of our products. We learned about the relevant regulations in China and abroad regarding genome editing and genetically modified organisms, as well as the different production methods during the experimental stage and commercialization. It was also pointed out that making the story more transparent and easier for the public to understand is indispensable. Therefore, we have improved the project background to make it more detailed and easier to comprehend.

3.2 Space and Radiation

3.2.1 Wu Jie (Former coach and astronaut of the Astronaut Brigade of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army)

• Our knowledge of space technology is relatively limited, such as methods of radiation protection during space missions, materials used for radiation shielding, and the differences between space radiation and Earth radiation.

• We engaged in discussions with the team of Li Yinghui from the Astronaut Scientific Research and Training Center and Mr. Wu Jie, a former coach and astronaut of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Astronaut Brigade. Li Yinghui is the deputy chief designer of the astronaut system for China’s manned space program, and Wu Jie is a former coach and astronaut of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

We received a reply from the team of Li Yinghui at the Astronaut Scientific Research and Training Center and had the privilege of engaging in an in-depth discussion with Teacher Wu Jie. Through this exchange, we learned that space natural radiation sources actually refer to ionizing radiation. Due to its high-energy characteristics, space radiation has the capability to damage macromolecules within living organisms or organic molecules in electronic components. This not only poses potential threats to the health of astronauts but may also adversely affect the structure and function of electronic components. However, the current design of space suits does not specifically address space radiation; instead, relatively thicker shielding materials are used in areas such as the chest and hips of the suit. These areas provide relatively better protection for radiation-sensitive organs such as the bone marrow.

We have learned that China plans to establish a lunar research station by 2035; therefore, we believe that using melanin as a radiation protection material has great application prospects. We plan to cooperate with Blue Crystal Microbiology within a year to produce textile materials containing melanin, test and modify their radiation protection capabilities, and participate in the development of space suits as textile materials. Teacher Wu Jie has affirmed our idea and looks forward to further cooperation with us.

3.3.2 Meng Jianwei (Associate Research Fellow)

• We know that space radiation is mainly ionizing radiation, but our research and understanding of ionizing radiation are not sufficient to support the completion of our project.

• We reached out to Associate Research Fellow Meng Jianwei, who is a researcher at ShanghaiTech University and involved in multiple research projects at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

We discussed with Teacher Meng Jianwei about the knowledge related to radiation, as well as the impacts of living in a radiation environment on the life activities of microorganisms and the sequence of their genetic material.

Under the guidance of Teacher Meng Jianwei, we had the privilege of visiting the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, where we absorbed a great deal of professional knowledge about radiation. This visit made us deeply aware of the huge difference in radiation levels between Earth and space.

After we explained our project in detail to Teacher Meng, we received valuable feedback and successfully reached a cooperation intention. With Teacher Meng’s strong support, we conducted related radiation experiments to test whether our strains have the ability to survive in the space environment, and whether we can achieve the goal of using melanin-producing strains to assist in space exploration.

3.3 Sharing and discussing with other teams

3.3.1 CCIC (The 11th China Regional iGEMer Exchange Conference)

• Communicating with other teams, drawing on their experience, and finding directions to improve our own project from their projects.

The full name of CCIC is the 11th China Regional iGEMer Exchange Conference, which is composed of iGEM teams and alumni from high schools and universities across China. This year, a gathering was held in July at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou.

At the gathering, each team was given 5 minutes to present their project, followed by a Q&A session where we received valuable feedback from the judges and learned about the progress and methods of other teams. At the networking event, we shared our progress and future activity plans with other iGEM teams, which was undoubtedly of great help to us as a team participating for the first time. We delved into topics closely related to our project, such as education and human practice, and also touched on some topics not directly related to the project but equally important, such as team management and fundraising. The exchange of information undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for improving the quality of subsequent activities. This gathering was undoubtedly a valuable opportunity to share information and optimize the quality of our actions.

While engaging in academic exchanges, we also experienced the intangible cultural heritage of Suzhou, including making lacquer fans and fragrant sachets.

3.3.2 New Youth Workshop

• Communicating with other new youth who have ideas and creativity has been very beneficial to us. After the exchange, our team summarized the discussions between our members and them, which has been of great help in improving our project.

On July 13th, with the support of the Peking University Suzhou Alumni Association, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Huahu School of Pharmacy, Peking University School of Life Sciences East China Branch, and Peking University Molecular Engineering South Jiangsu Institute, a New Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop themed “New Youth, New Track, New Rules” was successfully held. Thanks to the active promotion by our team, the workshop attracted about 50 iGEMers, and many senior members of the Peking University Suzhou Alumni Association also came to observe. iGEM China Director Bao Yuhán, Chief Scientific Officer of Xinsu Technology Dong Yiming, and Partner of JiYin Creation Shen Di served as comment guests.

In the group discussion session, participants engaged in heated discussions around various themes such as space biology, AI & IT, and eco-friendly architecture. The outcomes of the six groups’ creative projects were impressive, ranging from biobricks to bioluminescent RGB large screens, from DNA encryption to the military application of engineered bacteria. Each project exemplified the innovative spirit and scientific research strength of the young scholars. Members of our team were scattered among the different groups, engaging in mutual exchanges, sharing insights, and gaining valuable experiences.

3.3.3 Peking University Peking GPA

• Based on the communication with the students from Peking GPA, we have improved our experiment.

On July 15th, Peking GPA visited the East China Branch of Peking University in Qidong, Jiangsu, where we engaged in an in-depth technical exchange once again. We shared our idea and practice of using aerogel to carry genetically modified microorganisms that can produce melanin as a new type of material for space radiation protection; meanwhile, the team from Peking University demonstrated their innovative achievements in a universal disease diagnostic system based on Aptamer and SPOC technologies.

We refined our experiment based on questions such as “Can bacteria and algae survive in space?”, “Why choose biological synthesis over chemical synthesis for melanin? What considerations are there in terms of yield, product quality, and budget?”, and “Why choose biological synthesis over chemical synthesis for melanin? What considerations are there in terms of yield, product quality, and budget?”. Through an afternoon of discussion, we gained a great deal of insight, which provided a clearer direction for our project.

3.3.4 Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)

• We confirmed our approach to building a symbiotic system and believed that using melanin as an external wrapping material is feasible based on our communication with the students from the Southern University of Science and Technology.

On July 25, 2024, our team had the first exchange with SUSTechOCEAN from the Southern University of Science and Technology. The two teams shared their experiences and strategies through interactive means, working together to identify and solve relevant problems.

After our exchange with SUSTechOCEAN from the Southern University of Science and Technology, inspired by their symbiotic system constructed with Shewanella, Natronomonas, and cyanobacteria, we considered co-culturing Chlorella (specifically gel ball algae/chlorella) with Pseudomonas. The goal is to have the algae provide oxygen for the bacteria and the bacteria provide carbon dioxide for the algae, while the melanin produced by Pseudomonas can serve to protect the algae. We also discussed the issue of the outer wrapping material for the device, including its anti-leakage effectiveness and anti-blue light film. Since melanin has radiation-resistant properties, we were inspired to use melanin as the outer wrapping material for space exploration equipment or as a material for making space suits.

4.Project Sharing

4.1 miHoYo (Honkai: Star Rail Project Team)

• With the belief that “discoveries in scientific research should be disseminated in a more popularized manner,” we engaged in an exchange with the “Honkai: Star Rail” team; and discussed using miHoYo’s materials for our presentation video.

Our team has always been committed to finding partners in different fields, broadening innovative perspectives, and exploring how to apply cross-disciplinary knowledge to genetic engineering and space exploration. On August 30, 2024, we visited miHoYo, a game company in Shanghai, and engaged in in-depth discussions with members of the department responsible for their galaxy adventure strategy game “Honkai: Star Rail”.

During the meeting, the staff at miHoYo shared the scientific considerations involved in the game creation process, particularly how they balanced fantasy with reality when constructing the universe’s world view. Our team, from their professional perspective, introduced the latest research advancements in the aerospace field and discussed the problems and challenges that might be encountered in the actual space environment. Both sides inspired each other during the exchange, especially in how to disseminate the discoveries in scientific research in a more popularized manner. The game not only promotes traditional culture through its vast fan base but also provides a new method of communication for science education.