Dr. Kentaro Hiraka

2023, June 17

Dr. Hiraka's involvement with our iGEM team, recommended initially by Dr. Ikebukuro during our collaboration with the Tokyo Agriculture and Technology University in 2019, has been instrumental in shaping and supporting our project endeavors. His expertise and continued engagement with our team have proved invaluable to our work. Dr. Hiraka's expertise in various areas, including protein engineering, protein purification, activity assay, recombinant production, bioelectrochemical analysis, and biosensors, has been a tremendous asset to our team's research efforts. His specialized knowledge has provided critical insights and guidance, particularly in the field of protein modeling. When we initially reached out to Dr. Hiraka in the spring, we had been interested in the potential for random mutagenesis of PHA synthase. Through Dr. Hiraka's expertise in this area, we sought to optimize the particular enzyme for our project's goals. While we had redirected our project's focus after the initial contact with Dr. Hiraka, his continued support, assisting in utilizing protein modeling software and providing relevant research papers, allowed us to consolidate our ideas and effectively carry out our finalized project.

Dr Ikebukuro, Dr Kobayashi, Dr. Kawai, Dr, Kato, Dr. Miura

2023 June 22, Thursday

Dr. Ikebukuro, Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Kawai, Dr. Kato, and Dr. Miura are professors at the University of Agriculture and Technology, each specializing in different fields within the realm of life science and biotechnology. Their combined expertise covers metabolic engineering of bacteria, protein modeling and engineering, and plant genetics. Dr. Ikebukuro's specific focus on gene and protein engineering, as well as Dr. Kobayashi's expertise in metabolic engineering of bacteria is particularly relevant to our project. We discussed the direction of the project with the professors, ensuring that our research aligned with the latest scientific understanding and methodologies. We expressed concerns about how to effectively utilize the results obtained from our labs. The professors provided valuable insights into how the expression levels of phasin can potentially enhance secretion pathways. This enhancement can occur through both increased quantities of the targeted protein for secretion and reduced granule size, which are important considerations for optimizing our project. The professors recommended using the pET28 plasmid backbone instead of pUC19. This choice is based on its better copy number and compatibility with the glucose-rich environment anticipated during PHA production. This decision is significant as the choice of plasmid can greatly influence the success of genetic engineering projects. The professors suggested using a hydroxybutyrate assay kit as an alternative to expensive and potentially unavailable machines for PHA quantification.

Dr. Becky Naughton

2023 June 24

In the initial stages of our project's development, a central concern was the potential consequence utilizing of food waste as a potential biofuel source for bioplastic production. We initially hypothesized that by establishing a pathway for repurposing food waste, individuals may feel less culpable for discarding excess food, potentially leading to an unwanted increase in food waste. To gain further insights into the psychological aspects of this issue, we sought an interview with Dr. Naughton, an economist.

Our discussion with Dr. Naughton commenced with a focus on the broader issue of plastic pollution. With social media as a pivotal platform for raising awareness, Dr. Naughton emphasized that humans are primarily visual learners.When humans are confronted with complex and seemingly distant issues like plastic pollution, without visuals, it can often lead to superficial understanding and often fails to prompt action. In the context of the United States, the popular "Save the Turtles" movement on social media promotes sustainability through small actions like avoiding plastic straws. While these actions are commendable, they often fail to address the underlying reasons for such environmental challenges.

Recognizing the current state of actions toward awareness, we leveraged Dr. Naughton's insights into human behavior to devise effective strategies to reduce food waste within our school’s community. We discussed the concept of "the dollar will vote," which suggests that when making choices on a large scale, it's essential to assume that people prioritize convenience and cost savings. Building upon this concept, we are actively working to arrange a meeting with our cafeteria staff. One of our ideas is to reduce food portions while providing options for those who desire larger servings. This approach ensures that default meal portions align with students' ideal serving sizes, thereby minimizing food waste..

Furthermore, in our endeavor to shift our community's mindset toward food waste reduction, we recognized the power of visual communication. Understanding that people often need issues to be placed "in front" of them to comprehend their significance, we plan to set up a display featuring rows of trash bags filled with imitation food. As these bags accumulate, they will serve as a visual representation of the substantial amount of food waste generated each week, driving home the urgency of the issue.

Additionally, we aim to engage and educate the younger generation, particularly elementary school students who often exhibit significant enthusiasm for sustainability-related topics. By nurturing their passion and providing educational initiatives, we hope to foster a culture of responsible consumption and waste reduction from an early age, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future..

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishers (MAFF)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Japan has been dedicated to working on the Biomass Towns program for over a decade. The primary objective of this program is to convert biomass into products that would typically be derived from new resources, thereby creating more sustainable towns. Recognizing the significance of bioplastics within these initiatives, we had the pleasure of gaining valuable insights from the Ministry regarding their large-scale biomass-to-bioplastic production systems.

The overarching mission of the Biomass Towns program, launched in 2005, revolves around creating recycling-oriented societies that enhance environmental conservation, particularly in rural fishing villages. Remarkably, this program has made substantial progress, extending its influence to 318 districts. Moreover, they have also been successful in authorizing the Biomass Industrial City Policy which has been implemented in 101 areas as of July 2023. This policy made a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions by harnessing organic energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Beyond its environmental impact, the program has generated multiple economic benefits, including the promotion of local employment opportunities, the creation of new industries, and bolstering local disaster preparedness. The program's financing, primarily self-sustained with occasional tax-based funding, paints a promising picture for its continued success.

The Biomass Utilization Process in each town varies, but generally, it involves collecting biomass, usually distributed in small quantities. With efficient transportation and economic viability as critical components of biomass utilization. Currently, the process is categorized into two main segments: energy utilization and material utilization. This includes biomass production, collection, transportation, storage, conversion into materials, and subsequent transportation for everyday use, all while disposing of unusable fuel sources along the way. The complexity of the process opens up numerous job opportunities, each critical to the overall success of the program.

For instance, in the livestock biomass process, dairy farmers have their livestock manure collected and transported for fermentation. The manure undergoes a 40-day fermentation process at 40°C to produce methane gas and digested methane fermentation liquid (biofertilizer). This methane gas is sold as power generation energy, while the biofertilizer serves as a valuable resource for pastures and more. This not only generates electricity but also addresses local issues such as odor reduction and pollution prevention.

In regards to the production of bioplastics, specifically PLA (Polylactic Acid), within these towns, it is yet to be fully integrated into these Biomass Towns due to its novelty, there has been improvement in the processes of large-scale commercial facilities. Such as there method to focus on breaking down starch from corn, a resource crop, into glucose and then converting sugar from sugarcane into lactic acid before polymerization, ultimately yielding bioplastics.

Japan Bioplastic Association

On July 7th, 2023, we engaged with the Bioplastic Association of Japan, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among bioplastic companies in Japan and facilitating dialogue with the Japanese government. Our interaction with this association was driven by our desire to gain insights into the existing bioplastic landscape in Japan, allowing us to assess our own bioplastic product in comparison to what currently exists in the market.

Our discussion centered on the lack of government funding for bioplastic implementation. The association's role primarily revolves around sharing insights from large commercial and active participation in large-scale university conferences. Additionally, they host seminars, exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives aimed to promote eco-friendliness. Although Japan lacks specific regulations concerning bioplastic production, there is a clear distinction between biomass plastics and biodegradables in terms of disposal practices.

One of the challenges faced by the association and the broader bioplastics industry in Japan is the need for suitable developmental facilities. In countries located in Europe, the widespread availability of composting stations allows citizens to properly dispose of their bioplastics, further highlighting the success of the European Bioplastic Association. Aside from one compost station located in Chiba prefecture, Japan has yet failed to implement such stations throughout the nation. Furthermore, bioplastics offer substantial environmental benefits, companies often grapple with cost-related challenges that can deter them from adoption, emphasizing the need for a shift in corporate mindset.

A contrasting factor that sets Europe apart and contributes to the success of the European Bioplastic Association is the widespread availability of composting stations. This infrastructure significantly facilitates the implementation of bioplastics, posing a unique challenge for Japan due to its limited presence.

Bioplastics come in two primary categories: biomass-based and biodegradable. Biomass-based bioplastics are commonly used in convenience stores and do not biodegrade but are sourced from biomass, contributing to a recycling-oriented approach, while biodegradable plastics are primarily employed in agricultural contexts to address challenges like crop damage caused by wildlife. Biodegradable plastics are not intended for individual consumers due to their limited shelf life, which typically spans seven months. Instead, they are tailored for industrial use, especially in forestry and agriculture. It's essential to note that a relatively small portion of the population, approximately 10%, actively seeks environmentally friendly options, underscoring the nuanced dynamics of consumer behavior in the bioplastics market.

Ginza Conference: Kobe-sho Symposium

2023, July 8

We had the opportunity to attend an in-person biomedical engineering event located in Ginza, a central district of Tokyo, Japan. The event centered around the prestigious "Kobe Prize," which was established in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Nakatani Foundation. Since its inception in 1984, the Nakatani Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of researchers working in the realm of biomedical engineering.

The Kobe Prize recognizes outstanding achievements by young researchers in the field of Biomedical Engineering. These researchers have been honored for the originality of their work and potential to drive innovation within Biomedical Engineering.

The presentations and discussions at the event were intentionally kept at a more general level to ensure that the knowledge and insights of biomedical engineering in Japan were shared with individuals who might not have a specialized background in the field.

Although the majority of attendees appeared to be men in their 60s or older, there was a presence of approximately 10 high school students, alongside Sara and Nadia. This diverse audience underscored the event's commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering interest in biomedical engineering, even among those who are less familiar with the field.

Masashi Yanagisawa

A distinguished figure in the fields of molecular biology and medicine, is renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries related to hormones and neuropeptides. Notably, he uncovered the hormone endothelin and the neuropeptide orexin, the latter being pivotal in understanding the underlying cause of narcolepsy. Presently, Yanagisawa holds the position of Professor and Director at the University of Tsukuba, a prestigious institution where he earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees. He also serves as the Director of the International Institute for Integrative Medical Science of Sleep (WPI-IIIS), further solidifying his influence in the field of sleep medicine and research.

Akiko Hayashi

Akiko Hayashi is a specialist in the field of Neurology and is currently affiliated with the RIKEN Neuroscience Center, where she plays an integral role within the Multilevel Mental Disorders Research Team. Her expertise and focus within the domain of Neurology contribute to the ongoing efforts at RIKEN Neuroscience Center in the pursuit of advancing our understanding and treatment of mental disorders at multiple levels.

Toshiro Sato

Toshiro Sato holds the esteemed position of Professor within the Department of Organoid Medicine at Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo. His academic journey is closely intertwined with Keio University, where he not only earned his MD and PhD but also completed a residency program within the Department of Gastroenterology at Keio University Hospital. Professor Sato's specialization lies in the field of Organoid Medicine, where his efforts are dedicated to pioneering innovative treatment methods applicable to a wide range of illnesses. His work reflects a commitment to advancing medical science for the betterment of healthcare practices.

Fumi Nagatsugi

Fumi Nagatsugi is a specialist in Bioorganic Chemistry affiliated with Tohoku University's Institute of Multi-Substance Science. Her research endeavors have predominantly revolved around the design and development of functional molecules characterized by specific recognition and reactivity toward DNA and RNA. The incorporation of these intelligent agents into oligonucleotides holds the promise of enabling precise chemical modulation of gene expression, with an unprecedented level of sequence-selectivity down to the single nucleotide.

Notably, Nagatsugi's recent achievements within her research group have yielded a highly efficient cross-linking reaction with a remarkable specificity toward cytosine at the intended target site. This breakthrough has found practical application in the realm of antisense inhibition for gene expression within cellular systems. Currently, her team is engaged in the exploration of even more sophisticated intelligent molecules to further refine the regulation of gene expression. These ongoing efforts are poised to contribute to the emerging field of "In Cell Chemistry," presenting exciting prospects for the future of their research.

Ogawa Seiji

Ogawa Seiji is a distinguished Professor within the Department of Tumor Biology at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. His academic journey commenced with his graduation from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine in 1988. Following this, in 1993, he earned his M.D. at the First Department of Medicine within the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. Over the years, he has held various significant roles, including serving as an Assistant Professor at the Third Department of Internal Medicine and an Associate Professor within the Department of Hematopoietic Regenerative Medicine. Additionally, he contributed to the University of Tokyo Cancer Genomics Project as an Associate Professor. Since 2013, Ogawa Seiji has held his current esteemed position at Kyoto University. His research is centered around the molecular genetics of carcinogenesis, employing advanced genomics techniques to explore the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer development, from its inception in normal tissues to the complexities of metastasis and recurrence.

Kamikatsu (Zero Waste Town)

2023 August 20-25

In Japan, there exists a pressing need to raise awareness and knowledge levels among the general public regarding bioplastics and compostable plastics. Oftentimes, even when plastic products possess biodegradable or compostable properties, they are inadvertently discarded in regular burnable or non-burnable bins. Compounding the issue is the fact that even if individuals are aware of the biodegradable characteristics of a specific plastic product, the disposal method for bioplastics in Japan remains inconsistent, typically mirroring the disposal of conventional plastics. This practice underutilized the inherent biodegradability of these materials. To rectify this situation, it is proposed that a new and distinct category be introduced within the existing waste division system, dedicated exclusively to bioplastics.

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing such a dedicated category, our team member, Sara Nakadate, conducted an in-depth investigation in a rural town located in Tokushima prefecture. Additionally, research was conducted into the current garbage disposal system operating within the 23 wards of Tokyo.

Kamikatsu, situated in Tokushima, holds a prominent position in Japan's waste management landscape. It gained recognition as the first town in the country to issue a Zero Waste Declaration back in 2003, marking the 20th anniversary of this pivotal declaration in the present year. Prior to this initiative, Kamikatsu's waste management practices involved the incineration of all household garbage at the Hibigatani site, regardless of the type of waste. However, in 1994, the town introduced a revolutionary recycling system, formulated under the Kamikatsu Recycle town plan. Under this system, residents meticulously segregate their waste into an impressive 45 distinct categories. The Zero Waste Center in Kamikatsu plays a pivotal role by providing comprehensive guidance on the proper cleaning and disposal procedures for various types of waste. It also offers insights into the destination of each type of waste, whether it is destined for recycling or landfills, along with the corresponding disposal costs. This remarkable waste management transformation has been made possible, in part, due to the town's relatively small population of approximately 150,000 residents and its rural way of life, which fosters community-driven sustainability initiatives.

Collaborations and Meetups

During the iGEM season, our team had the amazing opportunity to connect with our 730+ followers and organize virtual meetups with more than 20 iGEM teams worldwide. These virtual gatherings allowed us to get to know each other's projects, exchange valuable feedback, brainstorm creative ways to engage our audiences in educational activities, and sometimes even collaborate on expanding our reach.

These virtual meetups were not just about enhancing our project; they also allowed us to forge meaningful connections with people from around the globe. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends at iGEM Indonesia, UAlberta, Aix-Marseille, Athens, UNIL, SCUT China, VIT, and the entire iGEM Japan Community for making this experience so enriching and enjoyable.

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iGEM KCIS

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We actively participated in KCIS's SDG Instagram activity. The activity aims to promote the iGEM community by introducing groundbreaking solutions that have the potential to transform industries while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Japan Meetups

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The iGEM Japan Community comprises a diverse group of high school and university iGEM teams across Japan. Throughout the 2023 season, the iGEM Japan Community came together to strengthen connections, participate in a lively exchange of ideas, and foster collaborative efforts.

In late March, the iGEM Japan Community hosted its first virtual meetup via Zoom. Each iGEM team introduced themselves, presented their current project plans and progress, and received valuable feedback from the community. Participants included high school and university teams, iGEM alums, and experts in various fields. Attending teams for this year's season included ASIJ-Tokyo, Gifu, Kyoto, Qdai, Tsukuba, and UTokyo.

In late August, we had the privilege of participating in the second iGEM Japan Community Meetup in person at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. At this meetup, each team pitched their project for 5 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. This event, in particular, significantly contributed to our project, as the feedback we received from teams allowed us to consider further improvement areas. Additionally, the event concluded with a "get to know me" session where participants could meet and talk to members of various teams.

These collaborations and meetups have been invaluable in our journey, and we're excited to continue working together to make a positive impact!

iGEM_iisertvm

iGEM_iisertvm reached out to us to spread the message of yoga. We collaborated with iGEM_iisertvm on a yoga exercise, aiming to promote holistic well-being and mindfulness among our team members. Our team members had the opportunity to learn and practice yoga as we designed a yoga session that incorporated various yoga poses and breathing techniques to enhance physical flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

Click on the image below to access the video of our yoga session.