Our iGEM team's Integrated Human Practices ensures that our experiment not only contributes to the science field but also presents a socially impactful practice. Through participation in the SDG summit and discussions, we developed our experiment aligning with global issues of food security and sustainable agriculture.
We engaged in talks with stakeholders through several actities, including online discussion with collegiate iGEM teams, training from Primary PI Dr. Pei-Hong Chen, partnership with molecular biologist Dr. Hung-Jen Liu, and farm/relative-industry visits. These experiences inspired us in our experiment concept and design.
Moreover, we held educational affairs such as elementary education, STEAM fair, and speeches regarding syntheric biology to broaden people's knowledge of science, particularly synthetic biology. These Integrated Human Practices ensure that our experiment meets public needs and contributes to society.
Sustainable Development Impact
Go to our Sustainable Development Impact page for details
Description
Our experiment on animal feed has significant impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing issues related to livestock nutrient absorption and hence improving food efficiency, we contributed to SDG 2, Zero Hunger. We also contributed to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, by reducing feed waste and optimizing the use of animal feed. In short, our experiment presented a sustainable practice on animal feed production, ensuring benefits for both humans and livestock in agriculture.
Reflection
Through speeches and discussions related to SDGs, we attained broader knowledge of how synthetic biology can be used to address global issues. This experience permits us to investigate future sustainable development and inspires us to reflect on how our experiment can be used to address global challenges.
Meet-Up with Collegiate iGEM Team
Description
As the iGem high school team, we got a chance to meet with the iGem team of TUM-Straubing University from Germany to discuss our project. Although there are differences between our experiences and levels, the discussion is inspiring and interesting. The university team shared their advanced work on cell-free lysates and also achieved surprising results. Most importantly, they utilize E. coli lysates for protein synthesis. We also introduced our project to them, which involves the surface display of xylanase on Pichia pastoris for animal feed additives. Throughout the face timing with the university team, we discussed how their professional knowledge in cell-free systems can improve our method. This interaction broadened our sight and also encouraged us to discover biotechnological approaches to benefit our project.
Reflection
From our aspect, which is the high school team aspect, the meeting with the iGem university team is a precious experience. Their professional knowledge and advanced research let us have a wider sight in our work. This experience showed that the innovation in synthetic biology came from different thoughts, no matter the ages or experiences. Besides, this opportunity also lets us grow as young researchers and also helps us to find solutions to global challenges. This meeting not only improved our project but also encouraged us to discover new techniques in the future.
Laboratory Techniques Training
Description
With assistance from our PI Dr. Pei-Hong Chen, our iGEM team received training regarding genetic engineering. Throughout the training sessions, we grasp basic laboratory skills of plasmid extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the use of restriction enzymes, and transformation processes. At the same time, Dr. Chen introduced us to concepts of iGEM BioBricks, which are standardized sequences of DNA that can be assembled to build genetic information. Other than that, we explored different kinds of host organisms and “chassis” and investigated how these host organisms can be used as platforms for genetic engineering.
Reflection
The training sessions provided us with valuable insight into laboratory techniques. Through practicing the skills, not only did we gain knowledge of how each experiment can be important, but we also gained confidence for our experiment. The concept of BioBricks emphasizes the modular and standardized approach of synthetic biology. The learning of different chassis led us to the correct selection of chassis for our experiment, which is Pichia Pastoris which is safe in the food production industry.
Collaboration with Professor Hung-Jen Liu
Description
We collaborate with Professor Hung-Jen Liu and also his lab at the Institute of Molecular Biology of National Chung Hsing University. The collaboration is very meaningful and important to us. On our campus, he delivered an impactful speech to us. We also got an opportunity to visit his lab and had a detailed discussion about our project. Professor Liu and his lab team not only gave us helpful suggestions but also gave us practical help in our experiment. They provided 3D protein modeling structure and molecular biology laboratory advanced assays, including SDS-PAGE with Coomassie Blue staining, Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA), building up the Pichia pastoris yeast display system, and conducting the Xylanase activity assay using DNS (3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid).
Under the guidance of Professor Liu, we can go through the experiment more confidently. His PhD students also help us to bring solutions to the problem and give us methods to improve. Their suggestions let us overcome the challenges and increase the quality of our outcome.
Reflection
The collaboration we had this time was a precious experience for us. It emphasizes the importance of finding experts for suggestions and collaborations to accomplish complex scientific goals. The practical assistance we got not only improved our ability in professional skills but also improved our understanding of the principles of the assays we presented. The close collaboration with Professor Liu’s team let us achieve the level of a successful experiment which was hard for us to reach by ourselves, and also helped to to conclude with a reliable result for our project.
Biotech Company Visit
Description
We visited Tung Ho Biotechnology Company, which is a company that specializes in the production of enzyme animal feed, they provided us with valuable insights about the application of the biotechnology industry. We visit their facility under the guidance of a tour guide, including the operation of various large equipment fermentation tanks, centrifuges, freeze dryers, and more. To keep the environment clean, we all wear plastic protection covers on our feet.
After visiting we discussed with the company boss. The discussion included some important topics, such as the ethical problem of using genetically modified organisms in animal feed, environmental regulations governing such practices, and a comparison between using E.coli, and Pichia pastoris as reproduction hosts. The boss highlighted the importance of compliance with government regulations and the potential advantages of Pichia Pastoris over E.coli in terms of safety and public acceptance.
Reflection
Visiting Tung Ho Biotechnology company for us is a special experience since it shows how enzymes are produced on an industrial scale. We also have deeper knowledge about bioethics and regulations in GMOs in animal feed, and challenges facing biotech companies in the livestock feed industry. This experience explains the importance of considering science and public impact in our projects, especially the choice of production host, this fits our goal to create responsible and impact solutions.
Field Visit to Pig Farm
Description
Visit Jia Tian Yi Livestock Farm to inspire us and understand the real-world application of enzyme-supplement feed in animal feed. During the visit, we checked out the pig on the farm and interviewed the farmer about using enzyme supplements in animal feed. He shared some benefits of this supplement, he pointed out, that although using this supplement increased cost, it is helpful in pig health and growth. The farmer was very proud of his healthy and fat pigs. He also mentioned using enzyme-supplement feed can reduce the smelly smell in farms, and make the environment more pleasant.
Reflection
This visit and interview were both informative and inspiring. It highlights the direct effect of enzyme-supplement feed on animal health and quality, which reminds us of the importance of our project goal. The farmer encourages us to keep researching and investigating this project, motivating us to strive for excellent work. This experience highlights the actual value of our project and its potential benefits in agriculture, especially improvement in animal feed efficiency and sustainability.
Market Demand Analysis
Description
In terms of market demand analysis, we visited a Taiwanese traditional market consisting of vendors selling various livestock products, such as pork, beef, and other poultry. While aligning with our project, we were particularly interested in a vendor selling porks from pigs that are fed with enzyme-based feed. Despite a demanding cost, the vendor elaborated on how this product gained much customer interest as they are willing to purchase a relatively more flavorful and healthier alternative for pork consumption. This feedback from the current market proves and confirms the escalating trend of customer preference for improved quality and enzyme-based livestock products.
Reflection
This market visit, granted us critical market insights, particularly into customer behavior and the escalating demand for healthier meat alternatives. This insightful market information on enzyme-based products greatly emphasized the potential market that underlies our project. To an extent, it encouraged our team to continue our investigation on enzyme-supplemented products as the market gradually shifted into demanding livestock products with better health and taste. Overall, the feedback received from the vendor plays a driving factor for us to continue our work that ultimately benefits society and meets a growing market demand.
Entrepreneurship
Go to our Entrepreneurship page for details
Description
Realizing the potential impact of our project, our team actively engaged in entrepreneurship to explore the potential of introducing our enzyme-based feed into the market. We thoroughly analyzed the biotechnology market, particularly shifting our focus to feed additives and agriculture. This covers the initial business running model, identifying the target and competitive markets. In addition, we also sought advice from industry professionals and entrepreneurs, attaining essential information about startup strategy, funding opportunities, as well as regulatory guidelines regarding genetically modified products. These activities enabled us to attain the critical steps that helped transition our project into a commercial product.
Reflection
Participating in entrepreneurship activities granted us essential information regarding the business aspect of biotechnology, requiring us to utilize critical thinking to measure the scalability, profitability, and market demands. We came to realize that strategic planning and possessing prior market knowledge are vital to achieving a realistic impact. These experiences not only assisted us in tailoring our project to align with market needs but also provided us with essential entrepreneurial skills. It granted us a pathway to benefit society through scientific and economic solutions.
Education and Public Engagement
Primary School Kids Education and Workshop
Description
During our experiment, we considered how the knowledge can be utilized in real life and the importance of science fields in our routine. Our team believes sharing our scientific knowledge and awareness of science education is necessary for the younger generation. To reach our team’s goal, we went to Huaxing Elementary School for 5 days of science activities from August 18, 2024, to August 23, 2024. Through hand-making and brainstorming, our team promoted the importance of science knowledge and teaching for further real-life application. On the other hand, to raise awareness, our team developed games and activities that inspire children’s curiosity—for example, the experiment about mini volcanos and non-Newtonian fluid. These fun experiments encourage the children to extend their knowledge of the science we taught in these 5 days.
Reflection
The discussion during the seminar with children allowed our iGEM team to encourage and advocate science. Converting complex science knowledge to a basic concept for children reflects the importance of advocacy. It also reminds us of the value of education and public engagement as critical components in promoting scientific thought and interest in technology. Furthermore, these events also remind our team members that fun science events can foster a lifelong passion for science.
STEAM Fair and Workshop
Description
To achieve our commitment to education and public engagement, our iGEM team organized a STEAM Fair and workshop for junior high school students. The activity is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in biology and biotechnology. Our team guides the junior high students in constructing the DNA double helix origami and demonstrates a simple method for raw DNA extraction from bananas. Our sessions also include pipettes and live demonstrations of DNA gel electrophoresis.
Reflection
Through the workshop, we observed students' excitement and curiosity. They are excited to participate in every event and engage with scientific concepts and techniques. These outreach activities encourage and build the next generation of future iGEMers. This experience also allowed our team to gain our own understanding and communication skills. When teaching younger students, we simplify complex topics and make science more accessible.
Campus Lectures
To attract communities and enhance the educational experience, we held two important lectures in our school. Those lectures improve our knowledge related to our project, including application of synthetic biology, and enzymes. Our purpose is not only to provide theoretical knowledge, real life application, while placing greater emphasis on the role of biotechnology in global challenges and issues.
Synthetic Biology Talk
Description
We are honored to host the speech about synthetic biology by Professor Ying-Chou Chen from the Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences at the National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University. Professor Chen is an outstanding researcher who is an expert in genome sciences, specifically in molecular biology and synthetic biology. What he does for work daily involves research and practical utilization of scientific knowledge. He makes all the complex concepts easy to understand for us high schoolers.
During Professor Chen’s speech, he discussed synthetic biology, including its basic concepts and innovations targeting this topic. He emphasized on the potential of how synthetic biology can address different global issues, for instance, improving agricultural practices and developing innovative biotechnological applications. What he said during the lecture provided us with a deep insight into the ethical considerations of synthetic biology and its future potential, all of which made us reflect on how we could do as a team to improve the community.
Reflection
Professor Chen's talk enhanced our understanding of synthetic biology and its applications, particularly in relation to our project on enzyme-supplemented animal feed. His expertise helped us to see the broader implications of our work, not just from a scientific standpoint but also in terms of its potential impact on society. The knowledge we gained from this lecture directly influenced our project design and encouraged us to think critically about the ethical and practical aspects of our research.
Enzyme Application Talk
Description
We are fortunate enough to invite Professor Hung-Jen Liu from the Institute of Molecular Biology at National Chung Hsing University to deliver a speech about the applications of enzymes in biotechnology. Professor Liu is famous for his research on enzymes, especially in the application of secondary sector industry and biotechnological innovations. His work enhanced the understanding and application of enzymes in the agriculture field.
During Professor Liu's speech, he talked about how enzymes contribute to modern biotechnology. To be specific, he emphasized how to effectively enhance the production of agriculture and the efficiency of animal feed, in addition to the development of a sustainable secondary sector industry function. The talk also includes the potential challenges of enzyme application and its current usage for innovating a better and more efficient enzyme system.
Reflection
Professor Liu’s lecture strengthened our understanding of the application of enzymes, which were all related to our project objectives. His insight into how enzymes affect small from the science lab to the secondary sector industry inspired us to utilize enzymes to add to animal feed. This speech not only strengthened and provided approval of our project strategy but also helped us emphasize the influence of our project on the society and environment.
Summary
To sum up, the integrated human practices we have engaged in ensured our iGEM project to align with both scientific goals and societal needs. By engaging with various stakeholders, including our engagement with sustainable development impact, biotechnology, and engaging with farmers, we obtained valuable feedback and insights that eventually directed our experiments. Through lectures, workshops, and educational outreach, it enabled a wide range of potential audiences that allowed us to highlight the importance of synthetic biology, particularly to young students. These activities not only strengthened the scientific impact of our project but also assisted in addressing issues regarding food security and sustainable agriculture.