To develop a solution that truly addresses the needs of ulcerative colitis patients, integrating human practices throughout our research process was essential. Our project, BOOMcoli, embraces a human-centric design approach, where synthetic biology is harnessed to meet the specific requirements of those affected by UC. By engaging with multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, IBD centers, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers, we gained crucial insights into the lived experiences and challenges associated with not only UC but also with fostering synthetic biology for healthcare applications. This comprehensive understanding of the disease context informed our experimental design and ensured that our technology remained relevant and impactful.
Throughout the project lifecycle, we continuously sought feedback from our stakeholders, allowing us to proactively refine our approach and address potential concerns. This iterative process not only enhanced the effectiveness of our solution but also fostered a sense of trust and collaboration with the UC community. By considering the societal, ethical, and practical implications of our work, we strived to develop a technology that not only impacts the world positively but also respects how the world, in turn, shapes and influences the technology itself. This holistic approach to human practices enabled us to create a more responsible, patient-centered solution that has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those living with ulcerative colitis.
Identifying, Understanding the Problem, and Empathise Overview of the Problem Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. As members of the BOOMcoli iGEM team, we recognize the profound effect UC has on patients, their families, and society at large. The disease is characterized by debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, which can severely disrupt daily activities and lead to social isolation1, 2. Despite advances in treatment options, current therapies for UC often fall short of meeting patient needs. Many patients experience inadequate symptom control, frequent flare-ups, and side effects from medications3. The unpredictable nature of UC can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss of control over one's life4. Furthermore, the economic burden of UC is substantial, with high healthcare costs and lost productivity affecting both individuals and healthcare systems5. The current market for UC treatments presents several challenges: Limited efficacy: Existing treatments do not provide long-term remission for many patients, necessitating frequent adjustments and combinations of therapies3. Side effects: Many UC medications come with significant side effects, ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications, which can deter patient adherence6. Treatment resistance: A considerable number of patients develop resistance to available therapies over time, leaving them with limited options7. Lack of personalized approaches: Current treatment strategies often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to account for individual patient characteristics and disease subtypes8. Accessibility and cost: Advanced therapies, such as biologics, can be prohibitively expensive and may not be accessible to all patients who could benefit from them9. By addressing these challenges through our BOOMcoli project, we aim to develop a human-centric solution that truly meets the needs of UC patients. We recognize that effective UC management goes beyond symptom control and must consider the holistic impact of the disease on patients' lives. Through engagement with multiple stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and researchers, we seek to comprehensively understand the UC landscape and ensure our synthetic biology approach addresses real-world needs while respecting ethical and societal considerations. Our commitment to integrated human practices throughout the research process will enable us to create a technology that not only impacts the world positively but also adapts to the complex realities of living with UC. By continuously checking our experimental design against patient experiences and medical insights, we strive to develop a solution that is both scientifically innovative and deeply rooted in improving the lives of those affected by ulcerative colitis.
To effectively map our stakeholders, we conducted an extensive brainstorming session and created an interactive stakeholder identification map. This approach provided us with a clear overview of all stakeholders and their mutual relationships essential to our project.
Our project, BOOMcoli, seeks to address these challenges by developing a novel, human-centric approach to UC treatment, mobilizing the powers of synthetic biology. By engineering E. coli probiotics for targeted and controlled release of therapeutics in the colon, we aim to create a fast-acting, highly specific, and low-impact treatment option. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize UC management by: Providing localized treatment: By targeting areas of inflammation in the colon, our engineered probiotics could deliver therapeutics precisely where they are needed, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Offering a flexible treatment option: As a probiotic that can be taken when symptoms arise, BOOMcoli could provide patients with more control over their treatment regimen. Addressing treatment resistance: By utilizing a novel mechanism of action, our approach may offer an alternative for patients who have developed resistance to existing therapies. Enabling personalized medicine: The modular nature of our design could allow for customization based on individual patient needs and disease characteristics. Potentially reducing costs: If successful, our probiotic-based approach could offer a more cost-effective alternative to current biologic therapies. By addressing multiple stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and researchers, we aim to develop a solution that not only impacts the world positively but also respects how the world shapes and influences the technology itself. Through continuous engagement and feedback, we strive to create a responsible, patient-centered solution that has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those living with ulcerative colitis.
Click our Integrated Human Practices to see how our project came about through continuous engagement and feedback with stakeholders in the iterative cycle of “human and patient-centric design”.
For our BOOMcoli project, which aims to develop a novel ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment using engineered E. coli probiotics, identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders is crucial to ensure our research addresses real-world needs and considers potential impacts. We have identified three main sectors of stakeholders:
To ensure our project addresses real needs and considers potential impacts, we plan to:
By integrating these diverse perspectives throughout our project lifecycle, we aim to develop a treatment that not only advances the field of synthetic biology but also meaningfully improves the lives of UC patients. This human-centric approach ensures that our technology addresses real-world needs while considering potential ethical, social, and economic implications.
In the BOOMcoli project, we recognize that effective stakeholder engagement is more than just gathering feedback; it involves a two-way dialogue that enriches both our research and the communities we aim to serve. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, we ensure our project is both impactful and sensitive to societal influences.
By integrating these practices into our research process, we not only enhance the quality of our project but also contribute to the broader acceptance and understanding of synthetic biology. This holistic approach ensures that BOOMcoli is a responsible innovation that genuinely addresses the needs of ulcerative colitis patients while respecting societal values.
Engaging with stakeholders throughout the BOOMcoli project has been an enlightening journey, revealing the profound impact of integrating human practices into scientific research. Our discussions with researchers, IBD specialists, and the broader community have underscored the importance of a two-way dialogue that not only gathers feedback but also enriches our understanding and approach.
Initially, we underestimated the richness of insights gained from stakeholder engagement. However, this process has taught us invaluable lessons about validating problems, refining solutions, and ensuring that our technology is both desirable and feasible in real-world settings.
By integrating these diverse perspectives, we have not only advanced the scientific rigor of BOOMcoli but also ensured that it respects and responds to societal needs. This journey has reinforced the importance of human practices in research, highlighting how they can transform scientific endeavors into responsible innovations that truly benefit society.