In January, our team was busy brainstorming potential ideas for Northeastern's iGEM project. After discussing various directions such as bioremediation, bioproduction, agriculture, medical applications, and food productions we were particularly interested in addressing environmental challenges like plastic pollution and composting.
By February, we narrowed our focus to one of the four major macromolecules: proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, or carbohydrates. Following group discussions and a voting process, carbohydrates emerged as our chosen area of interest. We began exploring the breakdown processes of carbohydrates, considering how enzymes could accelerate this process to promote plant growth. Bacillus subtilis was selected as our expression system due to its well-established efficiency in enzyme production and secretion. We are currently investigating various delivery methods to introduce Bacillus into our project. We also decided to use E.coli as an expression system due to its ease of use and our PI's experience with this bacteria.
In March, we reviewed previous iGEM projects to gain further inspiration. Notable among them was the Nanoflex Biosensor, which used bacteria to detect environmental signals through a colorimetric assay, designed for home use. Another project, Bac2Glow, aimed to detect iron in water but faced challenges in generating results. These projects sparked ideas on how to incorporate biosensing techniques into our compost initiative, focusing on affordability, accessibility, and regional relevance. Our goal is to develop a colorimetric assay that can detect key components in compost, enabling users to adjust ingredients based on indicators like pH or nutrient levels. We also explored in-lab fluorescent assays, but aim to use colorimetric methods for the final, more accessible product. Additionally, we are considering how scent can play a role in composting—creating pleasant smells to make composting more appealing and potentially deter pests.
By April, we applied for the PEAK award and secured lab space for the summer. Professor Woolston provided valuable feedback, advising us to avoid DNA synthesis and instead focus on enzymes related to scent production. We explored pathways for generating good smells in compost, reviewing past projects like a phosphate biosensor, which led to discussions about different target audiences. For home composters, the focus would be on pleasant scents, while for industrial composters, pH balance is key. We also brainstormed scent ideas such as mint, which are attractive to humans, but a deterrent for pests, with the goal of developing a system where compost smells earthy when balanced and signals when imbalanced.