Overview

Shanghai-BioX focuses on constructing a biosynthesis platform for active medicinal ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) to treat myocarditis and cardiovascular diseases. Recognizing the importance of public education in both synthetic biology and health, we organized a variety of outreach activities, targeting different demographics and emphasizing the potential of Salvia-derived compounds in modern healthcare.

Phase 1: Community and Campus Outreach

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the public's awareness regarding the iGEM competition and the field of synthetic biology, as well as their knowledge of the lingering effects of Long COVID, cardiovascular diseases, and the pharmacological actions of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Danshen, our team embarked on a series of meticulously planned, small-scale seminars and discussions within communities and academic campuses. These engagements were designed to encompass diverse age groups, ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives and objective feedback. By doing so, we aimed to capture a nuanced view of public understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities and potential impacts of these multifaceted topics.

Activity	Target Audience	Feedback
Community Outreach for elementary school students	Elementary school students and their parents	Students and parents enjoyed learning about Salvia and long COVID, requesting more events.
High School Roundtable	High school students	Participants valued the discussion on synthetic biology's role in modernizing Chinese medicine.
Elderly Health Lecture	The elderly	Attendees appreciated explanations of biosynthesis but still had concerns about its safety.

1. Long COVID and Salvia miltiorrhiza Knowledge Workshop

Purpose: The primary goal of this outreach was to introduce the concepts of synthetic biology and the iGEM competition to young students while raising awareness about long COVID and its cardiovascular complications. Specifically, we aimed to highlight the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) in treating myocarditis, a condition linked to long-COVID complications, to encourage early interest in synthetic biology and healthcare issues.

Target Audience: Elementary school students and their parents from a local Shanghai community.

Activity Content: We began the event by introducing iGEM and providing a brief overview of synthetic biology, tailored to a younger audience. Then, we focused on educating the students about long COVID and its potential to cause myocarditis, connecting this to the medicinal benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). We also emphasized how tanshinone, a key compound found in Danshen, might offer cardioprotective benefits. To make the session interactive, we held an art-based activity where the students drew pictures of the Danshen plant, reinforcing their understanding of this traditional Chinese herb and its medicinal uses.

Feedback: The children expressed enthusiasm, noting that they learned about Salvia miltiorrhiza and its potential in treating long COVID complications for the first time. Their parents also appreciated the value of the session, remarking that the activity raised their awareness of myocarditis risks after COVID-19. But they also said that before the event, they were very unfamiliar with the concept of synthetic biology, and did not know that the Chinese medicine salvia miltiorrhitis has the potential to treat myocarditis.

Based on these feedbacks, we plan to host more interactive and informative sessions in the future, ensuring our content resonates with public while expanding their knowledge on synthetic biology and its applications in public health.

2. Roundtable Discussion on “Applications of Synthetic Biology in the Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine”

Purpose: The goal of this roundtable discussion was to explore the intersection of synthetic biology and the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically focusing on how modern technologies, like synthetic biology, could be applied to enhance traditional Chinese medicine practices. By engaging students in this dialogue, we aimed to raise awareness of the current state, potential value, and challenges in applying synthetic biology to the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

Target Audience: High school students.

Activity Content: The event began with a review of the history and development of synthetic biology, followed by an introduction to the importance and need for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine. Students were tasked with researching real-world examples of synthetic biology applications in traditional Chinese medicine. Our team also presented our own project, showcasing the biosynthesis of tanshinone and carnosic acid using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The discussion expanded into the technical trends and future applications of synthetic biology in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as an analysis of the potential social impacts, including public acceptance of these new technologies.

Feedback: Upon following up with the participants, we found that the high school students, given their background in biology, grasped the concepts well. One student expressed that synthetic biology, though an emerging field, could breathe new life into traditional Chinese medicine, which he saw as a significant cultural treasure of China. The integration of new technologies with traditional knowledge was seen as a meaningful and valuable endeavor.

This feedback has encouraged us to continue fostering deeper discussions around the societal impacts of synthetic biology and to explore more opportunities to involve young, scientifically-minded individuals in future events.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Talk

Purpose: This event aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically focusing on the cardiovascular benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), among elderly participants who are generally more concerned with health and wellness. Additionally, we sought to introduce the advantages of biosynthesis as a sustainable method for producing medicinal compounds, addressing both environmental conservation and public health.

Target Audience: Elderly individuals in a community in Changsha.

Activity Content: The lecture began with a discussion of several common traditional Chinese medicine that are familiar to elderly participants, which helped to bridge the introduction of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and its role in treating cardiovascular diseases. We emphasized how biosynthesis not only offers the advantage of protecting medicinal plant resources and reducing environmental impact but also improves health outcomes by providing more efficient production of key compounds. To ensure the audience's understanding, we included an interactive Q&A session at the end, where elderly participants could ask questions and engage in discussions about the content. For example, when some participants expressed difficulty in understanding the concept of biosynthesis, our team members used practical, everyday examples to clarify. One elderly participant raised concerns about the safety of producing these substances in a laboratory setting, and we provided detailed explanations to alleviate their worries.

Feedback: The event highlighted that many members of the public, particularly the elderly, remain cautious about the safety and implications of synthetic biology. The concerns expressed about biosynthesis underscored the need for continued public education efforts to build trust and understanding. This feedback will guide us to develop more relatable explanations and demonstrations in future events, ensuring that participants feel more comfortable with the concept of synthetic biology and its applications.

Phase 2: Campaigns for Synthetic Biology

Through the above preliminary publicity activities, we found that many people in society still have little understanding of synthetic biology, and some elderly people are concerned about the safety of biosynthetic technology due to traditional concepts. However, some young people are very optimistic about the prospect of synthetic biology. In order to increase the number of people who understand synthetic biology, and to abandon the prejudice of some people in society towards biosynthesis, we have decided to carry out more activities targeting synthetic biology.

Activity	Description
Xiaohongshu Lesson	Targeted the general public on a popular social media platform, appealing to a broad audience interested in learning synthetic biology basics.
Joint Exhibition	Focused on office workers, high school students, and their parents, introducing synthetic biology to those without a biology background.
iGEM Exchange Event	Geared toward synthetic biology scholars and experts, fostering academic discussions and feedback on project advancements.
Livestream	Addressed the wider public, aiming to connect synthetic biology with daily life and health through an accessible online format.

4. Synthetic Biology Online Lesson Series

Purpose: After realizing that the general public has limited knowledge of synthetic biology and harbors misconceptions about it, we launched a series of educational courses on Xiaohongshu, one of the most popular social media platforms in China. The goal was to demystify synthetic biology, address common misunderstandings, and promote the broader application of this field, especially in the context of traditional Chinese medicine and our project.

Target Audience: Xiaohongshu users, including a wide range of social media users interested in health, synthetic biology, and modern applications of traditional Chinese medicine.

Activity Content: We created a three-part lesson series to gradually introduce synthetic biology concepts and their practical applications.

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Synthetic Biology – This session provided an accessible overview of the principles and history of synthetic biology, breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms for a general audience.
• Lesson 2: Biosynthesis of Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine – We explained how synthetic biology can be used to produce bioactive compounds from traditional herbal medicine, with a focus on its potential to revolutionize drug manufacturing.
• Lesson 3: Therapeutic Potential of Active Compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) – This lesson detailed the medical benefits of tanshinone and carnosic acid, compounds found in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and showcased how our project uses biosynthesis to produce these compounds efficiently.

Feedback: The response on Xiaohongshu was positive, with many users expressing that they had previously been unfamiliar with synthetic biology. Some users mentioned that the first lesson helped them understand basic concepts they had found confusing before, while others appreciated the connection between modern technology and traditional Chinese medicine. However, there were still questions regarding the safety and ethical implications of biosynthesis, indicating that while the series had made strides in educating the public, there remains more work to be done to alleviate public concerns.

In response to this feedback, we are planning to create more in-depth follow-up lessons that specifically address these concerns while expanding on the real-world applications of synthetic biology.

5. Synthetic Biology Joint Exhibition

Purpose: The primary aim of this joint exhibition was to introduce synthetic biology to a broader audience, particularly those with no biology background, and to highlight its relevance to daily life. We sought to emphasize the field's potential for technological innovation, cost reduction in production processes, and its broader societal benefits. This event also served as an opportunity for us and other iGEM teams to share our projects with the public and engage in hands-on educational activities.

Target Audience: Office workers, high school students and their parents, and other individuals interested in biology but without a formal biological science background.

Activity Content: The event was organized in collaboration with three other iGEM teams (Hangzhou-MedX, NAIS, HW-ShanghaiUnited) and took place at Shanghai STEMHUB. We began by providing an accessible introduction to synthetic biology, emphasizing how it influences various aspects of daily life and its role in fostering technological innovation and reducing production costs. Each team then presented their respective projects, showcasing the practical applications of synthetic biology, including our project's focus on the biosynthesis of active compounds from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). Following the presentations, we hosted a public interaction session at individual team booths, where attendees could participate in fun, educational games designed to help them better grasp synthetic biology concepts. This hands-on approach allowed the audience to engage with the content more memorably.

Feedback: Many participants found the exhibition enlightening, particularly because it made the complex subject of synthetic biology more relatable to everyday life. Several office workers remarked that they hadn't realized the significant potential of synthetic biology to drive future innovation, suggesting that there is a need to further publicize the applications of synthetic biology.

6. Academic Symposium on the Future of Synthetic Biology Education

Purpose: The primary objective of this academic symposium was to gather expert feedback on our project from synthetic biology scholars and foster discussions about the future of synthetic biology education, especially in overcoming interdisciplinary barriers. By engaging with experts, we aimed to refine our project and explore broader educational strategies in synthetic biology.

Target Audience: Synthetic biology experts, scholars, and other iGEM teams.

Activity Content: The symposium was held at Huisheng Lab (HSBC Wealth Center) under the theme "The Future of Synthetic Biology Education: How to Overcome Interdisciplinary Barriers". Several renowned synthetic biology experts were invited to deliver keynote speeches, focusing on the educational trends and challenges in this rapidly growing field. During the simulated defense session, our team presented our project, highlighting the biosynthesis of tanshinone and carnosic acid from Salvia miltiorrhiza for cardiovascular treatments. The experts provided valuable feedback (see our Human Practices Page - Human Practices), commending our project's potential but stressing that the ultimate goal should be the complete biosynthesis of Danshen-based medicinal compounds. This insight emphasized the need to further optimize our pathway design. Following the defense, we participated in a team merchandise exchange session, which strengthened our connections with other iGEM teams and facilitated knowledge sharing.

Feedback: The expert feedback was extremely insightful and helped us recognize the need to fine-tune certain aspects of our project, particularly in achieving full-scale biosynthesis of Danshen compounds. The advice received also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary education in synthetic biology, an area we aim to explore further in our future outreach activities. The interaction with other iGEM teams during the merchandise exchange allowed us to share strategies and approaches, broadening our perspective on how to tackle common challenges in synthetic biology projects.

7. WeChat Livestream on "Synthetic Biology and Its Applications"

Purpose: After recognizing that many people overlook the potential of synthetic biology, we organized a livestream event themed "Synthetic Biology and Its Applications". The aim was to connect synthetic biology to real-life applications, raise public awareness about its potential, and specifically highlight the therapeutic uses of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) in treating long COVID complications.

Target Audience: The general public, with promotional efforts aimed at maximizing reach.

Activity Content: We collaborated with 10 iGEM teams, including three other host teams, to organize this event. One week before the livestream, we conducted an extensive promotional campaign to build momentum and ensure a large audience turnout. The livestream began with a general introduction to synthetic biology, explaining its foundational principles in an accessible way for viewers of all backgrounds. Each participating team then presented their respective projects, focusing on how synthetic biology can be applied in everyday life. Our team emphasized the medical benefits of biosynthesized tanshinone and carnosic acid from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and raised awareness about the cardiovascular risks associated with long COVID, advocating synthetic biology as a solution to improve drug production. The event generated significant interest and attracted 3,782 viewers, marking a successful outreach effort.

Feedback: The livestream was well-received and garnered positive responses from the audience. Many viewers expressed that the event helped them better understand the broad applications of synthetic biology, which they had previously been unaware of.

Phase 3: Other More Expensive Activities

8. Human Health and Sustainability Theme Event

Purpose: After recognizing that our biosynthesis method offers significant environmental benefits from the previous activities, we decided to connect our project to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) (see our SDG page - SDG page). The goal of this event was to raise awareness about the links between human health, environmental sustainability, and synthetic biology.

Target Audience: The general public in Hangzhou, with a focus on individuals interested in health and sustainability.

Activity Content: This event, together with other three iGEM teams (Hangzhou-SDG, Hangzhou-BioX, Hangzhou-MedX) held at STEMHUB in Hangzhou, was themed around human health and sustainable development. We introduced the medicinal properties of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), highlighting its active compounds, tanshinone and carnosic acid, as effective treatments for cardiovascular diseases. We then emphasized how our biosynthesis method offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods. By producing fewer byproducts and reducing the need for direct plant harvesting, our approach not only supports health outcomes but also contributes to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

Additionally, to engage participants more deeply, we organized a hands-on activity where attendees crafted traditional Chinese medicine sachets. This interactive element helped people better appreciate the value of medicinal plant resources and their significance for both human health and environmental sustainability.

Feedback: Participants responded positively to the event, particularly to the focus on sustainability and the tangible benefits of synthetic biology. The sachet-making activity was well-received, allowing attendees to connect more personally with the importance of preserving herbal resources. Many expressed interest in how synthetic biology could offer sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

9. iGEM Project Summary at Wyoming Seminary, USA

Purpose: The goal of this activity was to present a comprehensive summary of our iGEM team's summer work and generate international interest in both the iGEM competition and synthetic biology. We aimed to encourage more students, not only in China but globally, to engage in synthetic biology research and consider joining future iGEM competitions.

Target Audience: The audience included students from Wyoming Seminary, along with the broader school community through online promotion.

Activity Content: Our team delivered a detailed presentation at Wyoming Seminary, covering our iGEM journey and highlighting key aspects of our project focused on the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds from Salvia miltiorrhiza. We emphasized the potential of synthetic biology to address global health challenges, including cardiovascular disease treatment. In addition to explaining the science behind our work, we discussed the broader mission of iGEM and the opportunities it provides for students to make meaningful contributions to synthetic biology.

The presentation aimed to inspire the audience to consider synthetic biology as a powerful tool for innovation and to attract future participants to the iGEM competition. Following the event, the school's official Instagram account posted about the presentation, further expanding its reach.

Feedback: The event successfully attracted about 300 audience members, many of whom expressed newfound interest in synthetic biology and the iGEM competition. The school's social media promotion added to the visibility of the event, helping to further raise awareness. Based on the positive response, we plan to continue similar international outreach efforts in the future to promote iGEM and synthetic biology on a global scale.

Conclusion

Our project uses synthetic biology to address the rising incidence of myocarditis after COVID-19 by developing a sustainable biosynthesis method for producing cardiovascular drugs from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Through a series of educational outreach activities, from engaging elementary students to hosting international discussions, we have promoted awareness of synthetic biology and its potential applications in medicine and sustainability. Moving forward, we aim to continue expanding public understanding, breaking down misconceptions, and fostering a global dialogue around the benefits of synthetic biology for both human health and the environment.