Overview
As a young team participating for the first time, we have noticed that previous teams have conducted relatively few studies on chemistry-oriented areas such as click chemistry. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing iGEMers with a wealth of fundamental knowledge related to our project. Of course, we have also made efforts in education, IHP, Safety & Security, and other aspects.
Basic Knowledge
Click Reaction and SPAAC
In our project, we have employed a technique known as "Click Reaction," which is a rapid and efficient chemical process for forming covalent bonds between biomolecules, polymers, surfaces, and nanoparticles. Celebrated for its mild reaction conditions, high yield, and harmless byproducts, click chemistry is ideally suited for labeling and functionalization within biological systems.
What is Click Chemistry?
Click chemistry, a term coined by chemists Morten P. Wittig and K. Barry Sharpless in 2001, refers to a reaction paradigm that adheres to the principles of green chemistry. It is conducted under mild conditions, boasts a high yield, and involves a straightforward process for the separation of byproducts.
SPAAC Reaction
In our project, we specifically utilized a reaction termed "Strain-Promoted Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (SPAAC)." Developed by Carolyn Bertozzi and her team in 2004, this reaction does not require metal catalysts, reducers, or stabilizing ligands. Instead, it harnesses the energy released from strained alkynes, such as OCT, BCN, DBCO, etc., to form a stable triazole ring.
The SPAAC reaction exhibits exceptional biocompatibility within living cells and has been extensively applied in the formation of polymers, metabolic engineering, functionalization of nanoparticles, and labeling of oligonucleotides, among other fields.
Application of SPAAC in Our Project
Within the scope of our project, the SPAAC reaction was employed for the conjugation of the vaccinia virus membrane protein A27L with the target molecules.
Conclusion
As an efficient form of click chemistry, the SPAAC reaction played a pivotal role in our project. It not only enhanced the efficiency of our experiments but also opened up new possibilities for future research in biomedicine.
New Basic Part
In the process of constructing the Click Virus, we designed and utilized numerous structures. These structures primarily include Vaccinia virus A27L, Vaccinia virus A27L-3stop, Amber suppressor tRNA gene tandem, Azidophenylalanine-specific tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, and other domains.
In particular, we are very interested in the Amber suppressor tRNA gene tandem and Azidophenylalanine-specific tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase belonging to the artificial translation system, as well as the poxvirus-specific Overlapping early/late poxviral promoter and Reverse poxviral H5 promoter.
will briefly list all our parts on this page including "Basic Parts" and "Composite Parts".All the parts we use have been added to the registry.
To view more, please click: new basic part
Education
Our education encompasses various stages of personal development, advocating for an optimized educational system that enhances the understanding of synthetic biology across different age groups. Through targeted education, we have successfully popularized biological knowledge in impoverished mountainous areas, provided a practical platform for students with higher education, and filled the knowledge gaps in the public through communication, gaining recognition from a wide range of people.
Our education is practice-oriented and has made significant contributions to the subsequent teams and the popularization of iGEM – we have successfully "cleared the name" of viruses through knowledge popularization, turning "waste" into treasure, and optimizing and expanding the range of chassis microorganisms; we have made notable contributions to the popularization of synthetic biology as an emerging discipline in China, and combined it with the Nobel Prize to build a bridge connecting biological reactions and chemical molecules, broadening the horizons for the development of synthetic biology; at the same time, our chain-like educational structure can also inspire subsequent teams, helping them to implement educational activities in a targeted manner and promote iGEM.
To view more, please click: Education
Human Practice (IHP)
We are eager to participate in a variety of activities, from SBC to CCiC , and we are passionate about discussing our understanding of synthetic biology and Click Virus with professionals from different fields. We optimize our projects based on suggestions and inspirations received. This model of HP activities can remind subsequent teams to focus on hot topics, create projects that target the gaps in the current field of synthetic biology, which is beneficial for the development of the entire biological field.
At the same time, in our exchanges, we can provide numerous teams with new engineered viral tools in the future. By using our Click Virus, we can help improve the efficiency of molecular connection targeting steps in different teams' projects, achieving what they have not yet realized.
Our social platforms are not only focused domestically but also extensively involve major international platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, building a diversified matrix and aspiring to convey our voice to the world. Through interactions with professionals from various fields, we have further disseminated knowledge and ideas about engineered viruses to different countries. All of this contributes to helping subsequent teams break away from established impressions and achieve more outstanding results based on synthetic biology knowledge.
To view more, please click: Human-practice
Safety & Security
The safety of our team is meticulously integrated throughout the experimental design and execution phases. For the experimental design phase, we opt for viral strains with a reduced potential for pathogenicity to humans and the environment, ensuring the safety of our research outcomes. Before proceeding with experiments, we engage in comprehensive training to guarantee adherence to standardized and secure laboratory practices. During experimentation, we strictly conform to the operational requirements set by various laboratory biosafety levels, especially those of Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2), to progress the experimental development under conditions that are thoroughly secure, thus ensuring the safe and successful completion of the entire experimental protocol.
Additionally, the safety of our team also has a certain help for future teams. We educate everyone on the basic knowledge of personal protective measures in the laboratory. We have designed a laboratory safety manual, which includes demonstration videos showing the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and summarizes the experimental operations and experiences in BSL-2 laboratories. All of these provide operational guidelines for subsequent teams, which can help advance the experimental progress of future teams.
Our social platforms are not only focused domestically but also extensively involve major international platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, building a diversified matrix and aspiring to convey our voice to the world. Through interactions with professionals from various fields, we have further disseminated knowledge and ideas about engineered viruses to different countries. All of this contributes to helping subsequent teams break away from established impressions and achieve more outstanding results based on synthetic biology knowledge.
To view more, please click: Safety