As an essential nutrient, vitamin B6 plays a critical role in human health, supporting everything from brain function to metabolism. To develop a more sustainable production method, we needed comprehensive information about the vitamin, including current production practices and public understanding. We interviewed experts in vitamin B6 production and food testing to gain insight into industry challenges and regulatory requirements.
We also conducted surveys to assess public knowledge of synthetic biology and the role of vitamin B6 in the diet. Feedback from these surveys revealed that while many are aware of the importance of the nutrient, there is a significant gap in understanding how synthetic biology can provide greener solutions.
By incorporating these expert opinions and public feedback, we ensured that our project remained both scientifically sound and aligned with public needs, improving the potential for its successful application in real-world settings.
1. Design Stage#
During the design phase of our project, we sought expert advice from professionals in the field of vitamin production. We conducted an interview with Mr. Ming Li, a master tutor at China Pharmaceutical University and deputy director of the Jiangsu Province Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center, to gain insight into the current methods and challenges of vitamin B6 production.
Link 1. Recorded minutes of the meeting.
From this discussion, we learned about the limitations of chemical synthesis methods, especially in terms of environmental impact and resource consumption. Mr. Li emphasized the urgent need for greener and more sustainable production techniques, especially those that can meet global health needs without compromising environmental sustainability. Fortunately, our project already includes a cell-free expression system that meets these environmental goals. Moving forward, we will refine our work in the lab to improve the production efficiency and scalability of this technology.
By incorporating this expert feedback into our lab work, we will make our approach more applicable to real-world challenges in vitamin B6 production, ensuring that our project can contribute to both human health and environmental sustainability.
2. Before Wet Lab#
In designing our project for the green production of vitamin B6, we recognized the importance of consulting with relevant experts and stakeholders to align our approach with real-world needs and challenges. Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in human health, influencing immune function, brain development and metabolism. Given its global importance, our goal was to develop a sustainable production method based on cell-free expression systems to address both environmental concerns and growing nutritional demands.
To ensure the feasibility and practicality of our design, we interviewed Mr. Ming Li, an expert from the Jiangsu Province Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center, and Mr Xubin FU Tianjin Ringpu Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. . Through these discussions, we gained important insights into the limitations of current vitamin B6 production methods, particularly the environmental impact of chemical synthesis. Mr. Li highlighted the increasing regulatory pressure to adopt greener technologies, while Dr. Li emphasized the need for more efficient metabolic engineering solutions in the biosynthesis process.
Project Rationale and Stakeholder Identification.pdf
Link 2. Project rationale and stakeholder identification.
In addition, we conducted stakeholder identification to ensure that our project met the needs of both the industry and the public. Our surveys revealed a significant lack of public awareness about synthetic biology and its potential to provide sustainable solutions. This knowledge gap underscored the need for outreach efforts to educate both industry professionals and the general public about the benefits of cell-free systems in vitamin production.
Armed with this valuable feedback, we refined our work in the wet lab, adjusting our focus to optimize the production process while ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations. By integrating human practices into our project, we ensured that our work remained grounded in real-world needs and was positioned to make a meaningful impact on both public health and sustainable development.
3. Beyond the Lab#
As part of our work, we wanted to ensure that our design was not only scientifically innovative, but also aligned with public understanding and needs. To do this, we conducted a comprehensive survey to assess public awareness and attitudes toward synthetic biology and the importance of vitamin B6.
As the field of synthetic biology grows, public awareness and understanding of its applications becomes increasingly important. To assess the current state of public knowledge, we conducted a comprehensive survey focusing on public perceptions of synthetic biology and its relevance to vitamin B6 production. The survey aimed to understand how much the general public knows about synthetic biology, its applications in healthcare, and the potential environmental benefits of sustainable production methods. By analyzing the survey results, we gained critical insights into knowledge gaps, public concerns, and potential areas for increased public engagement and education. This data serves as a foundation for aligning our project with broader societal needs and expectations, ensuring that our work in synthetic biology effectively addresses both health and environmental challenges.
Analysis of the questionnaire on the popular perception of synthetic adult biology .pdf
Link 3. Analysis of the questionnaire on synthetic biology
Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient involved in many metabolic processes, including brain function, immune response, and energy production. However, public awareness of vitamin B6 and its importance remains limited. To better understand consumer knowledge, preferences and attitudes toward vitamin B6, we conducted a detailed survey. Analysis of survey responses provided valuable insights into public awareness, misconceptions and expectations regarding vitamin supplements. These findings have informed our approach to green production using synthetic biology and guided the development of educational and promotional strategies that emphasize both the health benefits of vitamin B6 and the environmental benefits of sustainable production practices.
Analysis of the questionnaire on vitamin B6 （English）.pdf
Analysis of the questionnaire on vitamin B6（Chinese).pdf
Link 4,5. Analysis of the questionnaire on vitamin B6, English and Chinese.
Analysis of the surveys revealed significant gaps in public knowledge about both synthetic biology and the importance of vitamin B6. While some respondents were aware of synthetic biology, many lacked a clear understanding of its applications in creating sustainable production systems, particularly in the context of essential nutrients such as vitamin B6. Public awareness of the health benefits of vitamin B6 was also limited, with many respondents unfamiliar with its role in metabolic processes and immune function.
These findings highlight the need for targeted educational efforts to raise awareness of both synthetic biology as a tool for sustainable innovation and the critical role of vitamin B6 in human health. By educating the public about the environmental benefits of cell-free production systems and the importance of eco-friendly vitamin B6 supplements, we can help bridge these knowledge gaps. Ultimately, increased public understanding will foster greater support for the green technologies that are essential to addressing global health and environmental challenges.