During the mineralization process, the occurrence of acidification is inevitable. CO₂+ H₂O = HCO₃^-+H⁺

We innovatively addressed the issue of acidification after mineralization by utilizing a microbial electrolysis cell involving Shewanella and an anion exchange membrane. By facilitating the movement of OH⁻ from the Shewanella cathode into the mineralization pool, we resolved the acidification problem, allowing for long-term pH stability in the co-cultivation system.

Our team has innovatively targeted the ocean carbon reservoir, the largest one in nature. We are aiming to store carbon dioxide in the form of inorganic carbon within an inorganic carbon pool to achieve geological-scale carbon sequestration.

We propose that "To solve a problem on a long timescale, a solution that operates on a long timescale is needed."

Compared to existing synthetic biology solutions that address the carbon dioxide issue by producing usable organic matter, our approach holds greater potential for addressing the real-world problem.

We have ingeniously designed several proteins that simultaneously drive three types of ocean carbon pumps. This approach helps to prevent carbon flux exchange between the pumps, thereby reducing carbon loss during the sequestration process."

Driving the Ocean Solubility Carbon Pump:
We aim to convert gaseous CO₂ into bicarbonate ions, thereby increasing the concentration of bicarbonate in the microenvironment.

Driving the Ocean Gravity Carbon Pump and Biological Carbon Pump:
We aim to achieve the co-precipitation of calcium carbonate and chitin, one of the most abundant organic matters in the sea. This approach leverages the ocean's gravitational carbon pump, allowing more inert organic materials from the biological carbon pump to enter the anoxic environments of the deep sea. This process helps slow down the degradation of organic matter, resulting in the formation of long-term organic-inorganic carbon sequestration.

We have innovatively implemented a comprehensive safety design for our project by integrating three key aspects: plasmid design, modeling validation, and co-cultivation systems. This multi-faceted approach ensures that our solution is both effective and secure.

Plasmid design We designed a Highly Sensitive Suicide Switch that ensures the rapid elimination of engineered bacteria in the event of a strain leak.

Modeling validation
Validated by modeling, it has been confirmed that above a certain depth range, KillerRed can maintain the toxic protein at its highest concentration without expressing cytotoxicity. The suicide switch is “recharged” daily to stay in optimal condition.

Co-cultivation systems
We designed four versions of the cultivation device, ultimately developing hardware with the highest biosafety coefficient. Through the use of continuously operating red and green lights in the designed Safety Chamber, we can rapidly eliminate any leaked bacterial strains."

This iterative process of 'design innovation + practical needs' is a work we are proud of and can serve as a reference for other teams.

This incredible experience has provided us with numerous insights. If other iGEM teams are interested in aspects such as safety assurance, material preparation, or trip planning for these internships, we would be more than happy to offer assistance."

Under the leadership of CJUH-JLU-China, we engaged in in-depth and extensive discussions on the ethical issues surrounding synthetic biology. We presented our ideas with the hope of providing ethically sound directions for the development of this discipline."