Creating an even more environmentally friendly biocement alternative to mitigate soil erosion and the damaging effects of dust
Cement production contributes 8% of atmospheric carbon emissions. Additionally, at least 100 million hectares of healthy land is lost to desertification and land degradation globally, adversely affecting 3.2 billion people.
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Biocementation via biosilicification using E. coli genetically engineered to express the silicatein-alpha enzyme on their cell surface via a fusion protein with Ice Nucleation Protein (INP)
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The USAFA iGEM team is dedicated to advancing synthetic biology by providing new ideas and tools for future iGEM teams. Our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethical practices will aid in shaping the progression of synthetic biology for the future.
Learn moreThe USAFA 2022 iGEM team unfortunately ran out of time to test whether their new silicatein parts could catalyze biosilicification. The USAFA 2023 iGEM team used the INP protein to express Borrelia burgdorferi proteins on the surface of E. coli as part of their LYME-AID project. This led to the idea of fusing INP to silicatein to potentially create a more effective catalyst for biosilicification.
The USAFA iGEM 2024 team is building on previous iGEM projects. Our goal is to eliminate the harmful effects of ammonium produced as a byproduct of biocementation.
This year, we decided to use INP to position the gene on the outside of the cell. By allowing the cell to externally display the gene, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of silicatein.
Using genetically modified E. coli with the silicatein gene, orthosilicate-based bricks can be produced. This approach reduces the need for calcium carbonate and decreases the ammonium byproduct typically generated during calcium carbonate production.
Learn more about our Project on Bio Si-ment.
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Learn about who comprises our diverse and amazing team!
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Learn more about our genetic engineering process and implementation!
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Learn more about our approach to human practices and the integration of our project!
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Learn about how we managed risks and kept our project safe!
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Learn about our efforts towards meeting the United Nation's goals toward sustainability!
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Learn about how our team educated the public on synthetic biology and Bio Si-ment!
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Learn about the people who made this project possible!
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