Project Description
Modular Bacterial Cellulose Modification Machine and AI Safety Framework in Synthetic Biology
Since the discovery of Bacterial Cellulose (BC), it has garnered significant attention across various industries, including biomedical, food, and garments, due to its remarkable potential. BC is favored for its unique properties, which offer expansive opportunities for diverse applications.
However, regular BC has its limitations, and proteins, as natural molecules with tremendous functions, might be a great choice to enhance BC's capabilities. Yet, not all proteins are compatible with BC. This often forces a compromise between compatibility and desired protein properties. To address this, we conducted investigations and designed a modular, decoupled system that effectively binds proteins of interest (POIs) to BC. This design perfectly resolves the challenge of naturally binding POIs to BC. We have verified this design through wet-lab experiments in our project.
Moreover, transitioning from the lab to the market, an antimicrobial band-aid was selected as our product to launch our entrepreneurship project, a start-up company. We've crafted a business proposal aimed at funding our company, which holds the potential for a variety of product lines.
Additionally, during our exploration of materials by synthetic biology, we became aware of the potential safety issues brought by the rapidly advancing AI technologies in synthetic biology. We conducted research, social experiments, and reflections in the AIx Synbio field, ultimately producing a set of AI Safety Policy Guidelines to provide to the iGEM community.
Cellulose (C6H10O5)n is a homopolysaccharide composed of β-D-glucopyranose units linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Bacterial cellulose, discovered in 1880, is produced by specific bacteria and is purer than plant-derived cellulose due to the absence of lignin and pectin. It exhibits superior qualities such as high water retention, mechanical strength, and biodegradability, making it a renewable and eco-friendly material ideal for diverse applications.
Due to its significant functional advantages, our team has chosen to focus on bacterial cellulose. However, our research, both local and international, has revealed some functional limitations, such as its resistance to staining and insufficient mechanical strength. To overcome these issues and enhance its global applicability, it is crucial to modify bacterial cellulose through composite formation.
Bacterial cellulose (BC). (A) Molecular structure of hydrated BC.(B) Typical microscopic BC fiber film morphology [2]
By integrating Human Practices into every stage of our work, we shaped our bio-engineering design, improvement, and commercialization of our project and pioneerd exploration on AI safety. Collaborating with industry experts, we ensured the project's global relevance and societal impact and the feasibility of our manufacturing processes. Our innovation opens new possibilities for BC’s use, starting with antimicrobial BC products, underscoring our commitment to sustainable biomanufacturing.
Inspired by team Imperial College London in 2014, we enhanced their design to be a modular, decoupled BC modification system and validated our system in wet-lab.
This system is composed of three modules:
Bacterial Cellulose Modification System
In the future, each of these three modules can be independently upgraded and iterated. We can use high-throughput screening to find more scaffold molecules that bind to BC, discover new SpyCatcher-SpyTag pairs, and create protein pools with different POIs that can all work together on BC. This approach allows us to avoid compromises between compatibility and maintaining the original properties. In summary, our modular system paves the way for endless innovations with BC, transforming a simple material into a versatile platform with real-world applications.
Building on our bacterial cellulose modification machine and our exploration of optimizing bacterial cellulose and protein production, we have initiated a startup company to commercialize the iGEM project. We identified the intersection between outdoor gear and consumer healthcare markets, and designed a 100% bio-based bacterial cellulose adhesive bandage tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. Utilizing our company’s core technology, the "Bacterial Cellulose Modification Machine," we have integrated multiple functionalities—such as adhesion, antimicrobial properties, and repair—into our bacterial cellulose bandage, combining medical benefits with environmental sustainability.
As part of our entrepreneurial plan, we have thoroughly developed a comprehensive business proposal that includes product development, market analysis, and cost optimization strategies. Additionally, we have outlined a clear financing strategy to support the company’s growth and scalability.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in synthetic biology has introduced unprecedented efficiencies, reducing both time and cost for researchers. However, our team has identified significant potential safety risks in the AI x SynBio field. In response, we conducted research and social experiments. Through careful reflection on resonsible innovations and engagement with multiple stakeholders, we developed a comprehensive AI safety policy guideline and proposal for iGEM Community. This initiative aims to protect both individual and societal security while promoting greater public awareness of the potential risks in AI-driven synthetic biology.
Background
System
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