We successfully created the E. coli optimized and wild type HNMT és DAO genes from bioinformatics databases and successfully ordered them from gene synthesis providers.
We could amplify these genes with conventional and slightly modified PCR methods.
We cloned the genes to the petDUET plasmid successfully
We transformed E.coli DH 10 beta bacteria with the modified plasmid.
We could check the presence of our target proteins with an ELISA plate method
We successfully designed two collections of aptamers: one for fluorescence investigations and one cohort of ssDNA for the "fishing" method.
We successfully proved that fluorescence method is a relevant way of measuring aptamer-target concentration.
We proved that aptamers efficiently attach the histamine when the concentration is below 10 uM.
Using ex-vivo transdermal device we proved that HNMT is able to transferred into the skin in liposome / hydrogel media, but the amplification time is long (6 hours or more) This suggests that the use of HNMT enzyme is worth it to use it in topical treatment, but mainly in patients with chronic pruritus symptoms.
Ex-vivo transdermal device didn't release the DAO enzyme nor in liposomes, neither without liposomes, which makes HNMT a better choice in topical use.
Our aptamers didn't enter the skin in the used hydrogels, but still can be efficient ingerdients to decrease the histamine level in food.
Education
We've created a LEGO set to educate students about the DNA alpha helix and the walkthrough of the steps of the central dogma.
We performed 5 times for 120 8th-grade students.
We wrote a questionnaire for the 8th-grade students which showed us the effectiveness of our lectures.
We successfully implemented a video game on the basics of synthetic biology.
We delivered our video game to 42 schools to educate 334 students.
Human Practices
We collaborated with other iGEM teams and we managed to make a lipid delivery system handbook together.
We managed to codon optimize our genes and choose the right plasmid with the help of multiple experts from HUN-REN Biological Research Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy.
We consulted with drug/supplement producers to enlighten us about product development and manufacturing.
We developed a pruritus questionnaire to assess itching and provide help in diagnosis.
Entrepreneurship
We presented the idea to investors who were positive about our concept and said to invest.
We created a comprehensive business plan showing the initiative's feasibility and authenticity.
Consulted with at least 5 professionals from fields like research, finance, cream production, and construction.
Sustainable Development
We developed a Sustainability Profile Assessment Tool which is a comprehensive questionnaire to measure a company’s sustainability from this, we obtained two results which we then evaluated.
We created a sustainable packaging with a 3D printer for ointments in which we can store the active ingredient which was developed by us.
Model
We have modeled enzyme diffusion through the skin.
We have examined the velocity of enzyme reaction with fixed enzyme concentration and with [E](t)=C(t)
Safety
We have covered some aspects of safety from several points of view (environmental safety, personal safety, and data safety).