This year, we are committed to ameliorate the conventional EO extraction method. Our pioneering enzymatic EO extraction aspires to achieve sustainability, contributing to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 international development targets initiated by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. Not only are we improving the EO extraction method, but we are also engrossed in addressing the waste of natural resources, particularly disposed fresh flowers due to their defects. Our goal for this year includes:
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| Partnership with Wynn | |||
| Visit to Francine Chicard (Macau) Fragrance & Flavour Co.Ltd. | |||
| Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) workshop | |||
| 2024 Macau International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) participation | |||
| Assembly talk | |||
| Presentation to Wynn | |||
| Meeting with Professors from the University of Macau | |||
| Partnership with HK Genenet Limited | |||
| Visit to Guangzhou SciShin Biotech Co., Ltd | |||
| Cooperate with AVANCO Environmental Technology (MACAU) Co., Ltd | |||
| Supply of orange peel by Wynn Hotel |
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, SDG 9 emphasizes the promotion of sustainable industrialization, resilient yet environmentally sound infrastructure, and innovation for improving eco-friendly technology. Responsible consumption and recycling within industries are unimaginably more important now than ever, due to the significant overuse of natural resources within a short period of time.
One key initiative of our project this year is that we are currently trying to develop a distillation apparatus, used to improve the yield of essential oil production as well as to promote the recycling of disposed plant materials for essential oil extraction, for instance, orange peels and flower waste. By doing so, we aim to demonstrate the potential for upcycling waste materials into useful products, thereby contributing to a more sustainable industrial process.
To further our efforts, we visited Francine Chicard (Macau) Fragrance & Flavour Co.Ltd. to meet up with the founder, Mr. Sam Chan, to acquire guidance on utilizing plant waste for essential oils synthesis.
In addition, we also visited the Wynn Hotel to collect orange peel scraps in order to showcase the possible uses of fruit waste for reusing and developing essential oils from them.
Furthermore, we paid a visit to Guangzhou SciShin Biotech Co,. Ltd to study their eco-friendly extraction technologies as well as receive valuable advice on using fresh plants to increase our yield, promoting sustainable industrial innovation.
This initiative not only supports sustainable practices but also encourages others to consider innovative ways to utilize waste, ultimately contributing to a more circular economy.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Responsible consumption and production is vital for achieving sustainability as the population has risen and natural resources become more valuable than ever before. Overconsumption and irresponsible consumption exacerbate the issue on the grounds that finite resources are being wasted and induce some regions to be in tribulation.
To establish a connection between our project and society, we have organized several impactful events aimed at raising awareness about our initiative. One of our key activities was hosting an assembly talk, where we engaged with the community to discuss the importance of our project and the environmental issues it addresses.
Additionally, we visited Francine Chicard (Macau) Fragrance & Flavour Co. Ltd., where we had the opportunity to discuss our iGEM proposal with the founder, Mr. Sam Chan. This meeting was incredibly fruitful, providing us with valuable insights and practical advice that will help refine our approach and enhance the project's feasibility.
To inspire the younger generation, we conducted a PCR workshop titled "DNA Journey", specifically designed for primary students. This hands-on experience aimed to enrich their understanding of biology and foster an early interest in scientific exploration.
In our commitment to responsible consumption, we cooperated with Wynn Hotel to collect discarded orange peels. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also allows us to produce essential oils (EOs) from what would otherwise be waste. By utilising these peels, we aim to demonstrate a practical application of recycling in the fragrance industry.
During the Macau International Environmental Co-operation Forum (MIECF), we presented our proposal which focuses on improving the extraction of essential oils and introduced an innovative AI prototype for sorting floral waste. This AI model is designed to streamline the production process of EOs, making it more efficient. We received valuable feedback from industry experts, who helped us identify challenges related to scaling up production and ensuring the reliability of our AI model.
Moreover, we visited Guangzhou SciShin Biotech Co. Ltd., where the staff showed us their highly-efficient, non-polluting and environmentally-friendly techniques to collect plant extracts.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
In 2024, our team engaged in a series of impactful events that enriched our project and outreach efforts. Our journey began at the 2024 Macau International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF). We showcased our innovative project focused on enhancing essential oil extraction and utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sort floral waste. This method aims to upcycle waste from scent marketing in the hospitality industry into valuable essential oils. Feedback from industry experts helped us address challenges related to scaling production and refining our AI model, while also raising public awareness and engaging with diverse communities.
We visited Francine Chicard (Macau) Fragrance & Flavour Co. Ltd., a leading local essential oil brand. Meeting with founder Mr. Sam Chan, we presented our iGEM proposal and received practical advice on production costs, labor, and local policies. Mr. Chan provided a comprehensive look at the process of transforming flowers into essential oil products, including manufacturing, design, and packaging, which significantly enhanced our industry knowledge.
Our outreach continued with the “DNA Journey” workshop, designed for primary students to explore biology through hands-on activities. We introduced concepts of synthetic biology and genetic engineering, guiding students through experiments like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Emphasizing scientific techniques and safety, we also discussed the ethical implications of genetic research. The workshop sparked students' interest in science and encouraged a sense of responsibility and moral awareness.
These experiences have been pivotal in advancing our project and educational outreach, driving our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
