Contribution

We have developed a fused guide RNA (fgRNA) entry vector that seamlessly integrates the scaffold of MbCas12a with that of SpCas9. This innovative vector incorporates a ccdB selection marker, which facilitates easy and efficient cloning of new spacers. Designed to work in tandem with dead dMbCas12a and dCas9 proteins, the fgRNA entry vector enables the precise stapling of desired loci together, enhancing the versatility and accuracy of genetic engineering projects. You can explore and utilize the fgRNA entry vector through the iGEM Registry.

In addition to the fgRNA entry vector, we provide two specialized biological parts: tetR-mScarletI and mNeonGreen-Oct1. These parts are essential for our FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) assay, which demonstrates the proximity between DNA strands. The tetR-mScarletI binds to the TRE (tetracycline response element) binding cassette, serving as the red fluorescent component, while the mNeonGreen-Oct1 binds to the OCT1 binding cassette, acting as the green fluorescent component. Our comprehensive FRET assay protocol utilizes these parts to test whether the Cas staple, programmed via the fgRNA, effectively targets and binds to the desired loci. This assay provides a reliable method for validating the functionality of genetic constructs within synthetic biology applications. Both tetR-mScarletI and mNeonGreen-Oct1 are available for access on the iGEM Registry.

Our conjugation contribution part BBa_K5237015 contains the N-terminus of intimin harbouring the anti-EGFR (wild-type 7D12) adhesin and can be used for surface display of anti-EGFR nanobodies on E.coli. Previous works showed efficient presentation of nanobodies on the surface of E.coli K-12 cells by fusing them to the β domain of intimin. The β domain of intimin comes from the pNeae2 plasmid (addgene #168300) and encodes an N-terminal signal peptide for sec-dependent translocation into the periplasm, a LysM domain that interacts with the peptidoglycan and provides anchoring, and a β-barrel that inserts into the outer membrane. The coding sequence of the anti-EGFR nanobody is located in the C-terminus (that is exposed to the extracellular milieu) between the E tag (GAPVPYPDPLEP) and the myc tag (EQKLISEED). These tags can be utilized for purification or detection of the protein. This part was engineered to increase cell-cell contact between bacteria and mammalian cells, with the purpose of enhancing the likelihood of inter-kingdom DNA transfer by conjugation.

To effectively utilize DaVinci, our digital twin of PICasSO, we have developed a comprehensive user manual that includes detailed descriptions and essential code snippets. This manual provides all the necessary information and guidance to navigate DaVinci's features, enabling users to accurately model and predict the behavior of PICasSO structures. Whether you are conducting simulations, analyzing data, or integrating DaVinci into your synthetic biology projects, our user manual ensures a seamless and efficient experience.

To align with our commitment to sustainability, we have meticulously prepared all of our educational materials for broad public use. This includes scripts, presentations, solutions, and teaching sketches, all designed to be easily accessible and reusable by anyone. All materials are available in both German and English. By making these resources freely available, we ensure that educators and students alike can benefit from high-quality, open-source content, fostering a more inclusive and widespread impact on STEM education.

Summer School

Comprehensive resources such as detailed presentations, step-by-step instructions, and a complete script to guide facilitators through each part of the program.

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High School Workshops

We provide a complete set of resources to ensure effective classroom implementation. These include detailed presentations, a well-structured lesson plan to guide the session, an exercise sheet for students, and a corresponding answer key. This allows educators to integrate our content easily into their curriculum, offering students a practical and engaging introduction to scientific topics.

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For our primary school workshops, we've created a full set of teaching materials designed to make running the workshops as easy and engaging as possible. This includes a detailed lesson plan that outlines each step of the workshop, worksheets for students to practice the concepts learned, and corresponding answer keys for teachers. Additionally, we’ve provided certificates to reward students for their participation, as well as important background information for educators, ensuring they feel well-prepared to teach the material and answer any questions.

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Art Science Competition

To make it easy for others to run their own Art-Science Competition, we've created a comprehensive guide. This guide includes all the necessary steps and resources, such as detailed instructions on organizing the event, promoting it effectively, and managing submissions.

Survey

In order to be able to reproduce our survey to asses the relationship between a persons scientific knowledge and their attitude toward GMO we made the pre-tested questions and the structure of our main survey usable in both English and German.

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