This year, we have forged a collaborative partnership with the SZU-China team, which has been mutually beneficial in terms of project conceptualization, experimentation, and human practices. Throughout the entire competition process, we have maintained sincere communication and exchange with one another.

In mid-May, we had our first encounter with the SZU-China team at the 7^th Southern China Regional Meeting hosted by SZU-China. Through this event, we learned that their project, "POLYCOBEAD", centers around RNA interference (RNAi) technology and employs the technique of exogenously induced gene silencing using dsRNA to combat tomato gray mold disease. Coincidentally, our project also utilizes RNAi technology to inhibit the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4. This led us to engage in an in-depth discussion regarding RNA interference techniques, during which SZU-China showcased and introduced us to the Bifunctional short hairpin RNA technology (bi-shRNA).

In mid-July, at the 10th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC), we had multiple discussions with the SZU-China team regarding the construction of a shRNA expression vector targeting a specific gene. We gained valuable insights and resolved numerous challenges encountered during our experiments through these exchanges, such as validating the suitability of our designed shRNA and optimizing the annealing of the interfering sequences.

Regarding modeling, in mid-August, we encountered difficulties in our Safety Gene Circuit Model, which persisted despite our prolonged investigation. It was the modeling team from SZU-China who aided us in diagnosing the issues present in our gene circuit's ordinary differential equations, providing valuable suggestions for improvement and guiding us in the right direction.

Simultaneously, with regards to human practices, we have been committed to pursuing in-depth collaborations in engaging stakeholders in dialogue and exploring avenues for translating project outcomes. Together, we co-hosted the 1^st Greater Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia-Research Forum (iGBA), where we mutually assisted one another in inviting participating teams and company representatives.

Furthermore, we have often exchanged difficulties encountered in mundane matters such as visa processing and Wiki uploads. We have consistently maintained close contact throughout these interactions.

BNU-China and BNUZH-China are two iGEM teams established at Beijing Normal University's Beijing and Zhuhai campuses, respectively. Since our team's inception, we have maintained a strong connection with BNU-China. On July 1^st, 2023, both teams held an online exchange meeting where we introduced our respective projects and discussed potential collaborations in Integrated Human Practice, Education, as well as reimbursement and visa-related matters.

During the meeting, we learned that BNU-China's primary focus this year is on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). We engaged in discussions regarding the drug loading capacity of MSN and BNU-China patiently addressed our inquiries regarding the novel SiO₂ protein modification adapter family required for modular combination. Additionally, considering the feasibility of modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in tumor treatment, we offered our viewpoints and suggestions on how to respond to the microenvironment.

Furthermore, BNU-China shared with us their introduction to another team called Peking, who is working on an engineering bacteria therapy for cancer in the Beijing iGEM Meet-Up. This served as a bridge for our future collaboration with Peking.

This year, the Peking team primarily focused on enhancing the targeting specificity for pancreatic cancer through the construction of a gating system in engineered bacteria. We engaged in in-depth discussions with Peking regarding the selection of bacterial chassis and the gating system.

We had the opportunity to meet and have friendly exchanges with the Peking team at the 10^th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC). During this time, we collectively discussed strategies to improve targeting specificity towards tumor cells and explored methods for inducing gene expression in low oxygen and high lactate environments.

Throughout the experimental process, we promptly shared our progress and difficulties during the Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress in China. We also discussed ethical considerations associated with engineering bacteria therapy and other relevant topics.

Moreover, through multiple discussions, we facilitated collaborations between our teams in the field of Education. For instance, we collaborated on the development of a handbook on tumor biology therapy based on synthetic biology and jointly organized an inter-school popular science conference on microbial tumor therapy.

We had our initial meeting during the 7^th Southern China Regional Meeting. It was during this event that we learned about SUSTech-Med's focus this year, which involves inhibiting the formation of biofilms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by targeting the c-di-GMP pathway, effectively reducing the harm caused by P.aeruginosa infections. Subsequently, we had several encounters at the 10^th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC), the 1^st iGBA, and other conferences in the region. At each meeting, we shared the progress of our projects. The discussions primarily revolved around methods for introducing gene sequences into P.aeruginosa and the feasibility of constructing PDE/DGC coding sequences in filamentous phage before transfection into recipient bacteria.

Furthermore, SUSTech-Med had the opportunity to visit our laboratory for exchange and exploration, during which we collectively addressed challenges encountered during the experiments. In terms of education, the SUSTech-Med team participated in the 1^st iGEM Greater Bay Area Industry-Academia-Research Forum that we hosted. Together, we engaged in promoting public awareness regarding the intersection of synthetic biology and medicine and other related topics.

Through our exchanges, we learned that HUBU-WUHAN-CHINA's project this year focuses on utilizing Pseudomonas as a chassis to produce dsRNA for targeted control of the leaf beetle pest, Plagiodera versicolora. We engaged in discussions during the topic selection and refinement stages, covering aspects such as the efficiency of RNAi and the release efficiency of engineered bacteria after entry into the host. Following the project proposal, we further delved into in-depth discussions regarding the common aspect of our projects, namely the trans-kingdom RNAi mediated by engineered bacteria.

During the implementation of our projects, the HUBU-WUHAN-CHINA team provided assistance concerning the selection of targets and the construction of dsRNA expression vectors. In return, we sought guidance from their team regarding the processing and functionalization of dsRNA after entering target cells, engaging in discussions surrounding experimental design and related considerations.

During the 10^th CCiC, we had our first encounter with the USTC team, and together, we explored the topic of engineered bacteria coupled with single-chain antibodies. Our team aimed to enhance the targeting specificity of engineered bacteria for tumors by constructing a fusion protein, Lpp-OmpA-scFv, using the bacterial outer membrane protein display system. The USTC team shared their perspective and introduced us to the concept of displaying single-chain antibodies on the outer membrane using the spytag-spycatcher system, which was highly enlightening for our project. We also discussed the efficiency and accuracy of magnetic targeting and explored ways to further validate this through experimentation.

Notably, the USTC team proposed that we investigate the adaptability of engineered bacteria to the tumor microenvironment and examine whether the acidic conditions of the microenvironment would affect the viability of the engineered bacteria. In terms of Integrated human practice and education, we also discussed potential collaborations and jointly organized the Intercollegiate Synthetic Biology Science Conference focused on public awareness.

Our team has maintained close communication with the HZAU-China team throughout the recent years' iGEM competition. During the brainstorming phase, our former team members visited the HZAU-China team's laboratory to engage in fruitful exchanges. We learned that their project this year revolves around utilizing synthetic biology to address issues related to cat allergies. Subsequently, we initiated several exchanges and discussions regarding experiments and modeling. We established a communication group where we further discovered that the HZAU-China team is also exploring the introduction of toxin-antitoxin systems in engineered bacteria. The feasibility of their modeling was extensively discussed.

Simultaneously, we encountered numerous challenges in modeling the protein interactions between single-chain antibodies (scFv) and embryonic antigens on the surface of tumor cells. The HZAU-China team kindly provided us with patient explanations and assistance. When we faced difficulties in predicting the structure of single-chain antibodies, they suggested utilizing Rosetta or AlphaFold2 for prediction and shared some invaluable experiences. Furthermore, the HZAU-China team introduced us to their employment of MOE for molecular docking and the evaluation of antibody development, providing us with guidance videos. Reciprocally, we also attempted protein modeling using Discovery Studio software and clarified their inquiries regarding the integration of numerical models.

During this year's competition, we initiated collaborative exchanges with another team from Guangdong Province, SCUT-China. Their focus this year lies in exploring novel secondary metabolic pathways of Streptomyces, utilizing efficient microbial nitrogen utilization to transform shrimp shells from waste to treasure. We had our first encounter with the SCUT-China team during the 7^th Southern China Regional Meeting. Subsequently, we engaged in discussions concerning CRISPRi technology. Given that we have team members studying in a research group that specializes in Streptomyces, we exchanged valuable insights regarding the challenges faced during Streptomyces cultivation. Additionally, our team proposed the idea of co-cultivating with other microorganisms for nitrogen recycling and utilization. Furthermore, while conducting dry experiments, we shared the installation package of pyMOL with SCUT-China and delved into discussions regarding the modification of transporter proteins.

During this year's competition, we initiated collaborative exchanges with SYSU-SLS-CHINA. The SYSU-SLS-CHINA team participated in the 1^st iGBA that we hosted, where they engaged in discussions regarding the targeting of tumor cells by engineered bacteria. In terms of project design, SYSU-SLS-CHINA explored the feasibility of magnetic targeting and specific single-chain antibody (scFv) targeting, offering their insights on prokaryotic expression of scFv. As for experimental design, SYSU-SLS-CHINA suggested the co-cultivation of tumor cells with normal cells, followed by the use of engineered bacteria to assess their targeting capabilities.

In terms of Education, we discussed and initiated corresponding collaborations. For instance, SYSU-SLS-CHINA prepared educational materials on the engineered modification of macrophages and jointly conducted science communication at an inter-school popular science conference.

This year, we had close communication and collaboration with the Tsinghua team. Our initial meeting took place at the 10^th CCiC, where we learned about Tsinghua's groundbreaking research on utilizing thermal activation of engineered bacteria for breast cancer treatment. In terms of project design, we engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the selection of chassis bacteria and the utilization of the OmpA signal peptide. While Tsinghua's team chose the OmpA signal peptide to secrete PD-L1 antibodies, we ultimately opted for the Lpp-OmpA display system to present scFv single-chain antibodies on the engineered bacterial cell membrane.

Furthermore, we extensively explored the engineering of bacteria to respond to the tumor microenvironment. It came to our attention that Tsinghua's team was also investigating the use of low-oxygen-inducible promoters. Since we encountered challenges with previous attempts at anaerobic cultivation, we sought advice from the Tsinghua team on how to create a conducive anaerobic cultivation environment. They suggested utilizing anaerobic gas-generating bags and anaerobic chambers as alternatives to anaerobic fermentation tanks. Additionally, Tsinghua's team discovered relevant articles suggesting the introduction of CO₂ into the culture vessel as a means to create a hypoxic environment. We actively experimented with these suggestions.

Moreover, in terms of contribution, we collaborated with Tsinghua and several other teams to summarize the strategies in the field of synthetic biology for engineering bacteria to treat tumors, resulting in the completion of a comprehensive handbook.

In the realm of Education, after thorough communication and deliberation, we jointly organized an inter-school science fair on microbiome-based tumor therapy. During the event, Tsinghua's team conducted informative sessions on the application of microbiome-based therapy for specific types of tumors.

The SCAU-China team is an invaluable ally in our collaboration. Our initial encounter took place at the 7^th Southern China Regional Meeting, where we engaged in project presentations and initiated discussions regarding the design of our respective projects. At that time, in our pursuit to enhance the engineered bacteria's ability to target and colonize tumor tissues, we employed a chemical conjugation approach to attach magnetic iron oxide nanomaterials to the cell wall of the engineered bacteria. By introducing a magnetic field outside the tumor region, the engineered bacteria displayed a magnetic targeting tendency towards the tumor tissue. However, during the discussion, the SCAU-China team pointed out that relying solely on this approach and the application of an external magnetic field could only achieve macroscopic targeting of the engineered bacteria, lacking precision. Moreover, achieving magnetic targeting in deeper tissues posed even greater challenges. Consequently, the SCAU-China team suggested that we further improve the targeting ability of the engineered bacteria by leveraging the specificity of antibody-antigen interactions.

Once we became aware that SCAU-China also utilized the nirB anaerobic induction promoter, we engaged in discussions to explore how we could validate the anaerobic induction of the promoter through relevant experiments. During this exchange of sequences, upon inspection, we discovered that the promoter sequence we had found was lacking RBS sequence. Promptly rectifying the issue, SCAU-China advised us to place solid plates within an anaerobic chamber and employ anaerobic bags for cultivation. Subsequently, we compared the results and found that, indeed, solid plates cultivated in an anaerobic chamber offered superior anaerobic conditions compared to liquid culture media. Furthermore, we also discussed collaborative efforts in the field of education and jointly organized the Intercollegiate Synthetic Biology Science Conference.

HKUST, our esteemed ally this year, became acquainted with our team during our visit to Hong Kong for an exchange program at the end of July. Subsequently, in late August, HKUST reciprocated by visiting our institution for further exchange and discussion regarding experimental design and progress. We collaborated with HKUST in the Dry lab domain as well, where they suggested employing a trackmate tool in ImageJ for 2D cell tracking, enabling visualization of the process whereby bacteria infiltrate and enter tumor cells. Furthermore, in the realm of molecular modeling for the single-chain antibody anti-CEA-scFv, HKUST recommended utilizing POSSUM for sequence analysis, as this tool utilizes Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) to analyze the evolutionary information of protein sequences. HKUST has also provided us with valuable assistance in protein structure prediction. In the realm of Human Practice, we jointly organized the inaugural iGBA. We collaborated extensively in conference planning and material preparation, and HKUST aided us in establishing communication channels with other iGEM teams from the Hong Kong region.

UM-Macau, our team's closest collaborator this year, held their first visit to our iGEM laboratory on June 18^th, 2023. After both teams introduced their projects, we shared suggestions and ideas regarding gut microbiota, prokaryotic manipulators, and prokaryotic protein expression. Furthermore, we exchanged insights on team management and visa processing. In the realm of Education, UM-Macau proposed activities that extended beyond the confines of the laboratory, exploring new forms of collaborative science outreach. In terms of collaboration, UM-Macau shared their concepts for strengthening cooperation among universities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and fostering connections between academia and industry. Both teams aspired to establish a new platform for communication among iGEM teams from universities in the Greater Bay Area.

During the implementation of our project experiments, the experimental groups from both teams communicated frequently, sharing their experiences. We provided UM-Macau with our advice in areas such as experimental procedures and rapid fluorescence protein detection. In turn, UM-Macau shared their expertise in anaerobic induction expression. In August of this year, we jointly organized the 1^st iGBA, where our teams collaborated closely as the organizers. UM-Macau established connections with ZHUHAI UM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE and BYHEALTH Co., Ltd. Utilizing this opportunity, UM-Macau again visited our school to discuss the feasibility and future prospects of our projects. Subsequently, our team was invited to visit the University of Macau and UM-Macau's laboratories, where we discussed the challenges encountered during experiments, such as the formation of inclusion bodies with engineered bacterial protein expression.

In the modeling aspect, the computational groups from both teams maintained close communication. Regarding the molecular docking of the adhesive protein cp16k and MUC2 protein, we assisted UM-Macau in resolving issues they encountered with the use of Discovery Studio software. In terms of visualizing the results of molecular docking, we suggested that UM-Macau upload the results obtained from Z-Dock to PDBePISA for visualization. We also discussed how to address software errors in optimizing docking results with R-Dock. For protein-protein docking predictions, we recommended utilizing the PPA_Pred website for free energy analysis. Additionally, UM-Macau provided their own experience regarding amino acid analysis of interface residues in docking results.

The JLU-NBBMS team is one of our crucial collaborators this year. Both of our teams share the common objective of targeting and treating tumors through the modification of attenuated Salmonella. Naturally, we have had extensive communication and collaboration. We reached out to the JLU-NBBMS team after finalizing our project topic, and together we discussed the technique of gene deletion for attenuating the virulence of Salmonella. However, due to the geographical distance between us, our first physical meeting took place at the 10^th CCiC. During this meeting, the JLU-NBBMS team raised concerns about the safety of using engineered bacteria through intravenous injection and the associated risk of bacteremia. They also discussed the potential impact of lowered blood oxygen levels on the expression of relevant genes in the engineered bacteria.

In terms of experimental progress and team collaboration, we organized three editions of the Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress in China. In the realm of Human Practice, the JLU-NBBMS team actively assisted us in connecting with oncologists in the field and informed us about a company specializing in the targeted delivery of engineered Salmonella for the precise treatment of tumors in low-oxygen areas - HKND YB1 PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED. At the same time, the JLU-NBBMS team helped us find a senior clinician, and we asked the doctor about many issues such as program safety and improvement of targeting.

In the field of Education, JLU-NBBMS participated in the intercollegiate iGEM Microbial Therapy for the Science Popularization Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress held in 2023. They set up a branch venue at Jilin University School of Basic Medical Sciences, providing an opportunity for us to engage in discussions on synthetic biology with students from Jilin University.

This year, we have established a harmonious collaboration with PekingHSC, embarking on various dimensions of cooperation such as project design, Human Practice, and Education. Our initial encounter with the PekingHSC team occurred during the 7^th Southern China Regional Meeting, where we learned about their involvement in the field of microbial therapy for tumors through introductions from other teams. Subsequently, we had our first encounter during the 10^th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC). PekingHSC has since engaged us in discussions regarding the safety concerns surrounding the delivery of engineered bacteria. As a team comprised of medical school students, PekingHSC assessed the safety and feasibility of our project from a clinical medicine perspective. We have further participated in multiple online discussions exploring the feasibility of utilizing microbial platforms such as engineered bacteria and oncolytic viruses for tumor treatment, along with the potential ethical issues and clinical risks they may entail. These discussions have been consolidated into a comprehensive handbook.

In the realm of science popularization and synthetic biology advocacy, we have jointly participated in the intercollegiate iGEM Microbial Therapy for Tumors Science Popularization Congress.

During this year’s competition, we engaged in a collaborative exchange with BPI-CHINA. In terms of project design, BPI-CHINA has discussed with us the feasibility of cross-domain RNAi and has offered their insights on prokaryotic expression of shRNA as well as the mediation of RNAi within eukaryotic cells. In the realm of experimental design, BPI-CHINA has provided relevant suggestions on enhancing the targeting of genes and the silencing capabilities of shRNA within eukaryotic cells.

Furthermore, we have collaborated on the assembly of parts, where we have assisted BPI-CHINA as a new participating team with the organization and uploading of parts. Additionally, we have exchanged guidance and insights regarding project pre-videos and other aspects. Our team members involved in wiki development have also collaborated with BPI-CHINA, engaging in discussions concerning webpage creation and other related matters.

The meet-up event is of great significance to iGEM teams, which provides a unique opportunity for teams to come together and exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences in the field of synthetic biology. During the meet-up, iGEM teams have the chance to showcase their projects, present their research findings, and receive valuable feedback from each other. At the same time, the meet-up events are also important platforms for finding teams with similar directions or interested in cooperation and carrying out more communication and cooperation in the future. This year, our team hosted or participated in many meet-up events. We not only discussed the projects with many teams, exploring the existing defects of the projects and the solutions, but also gained friendship, laying the foundation for further cooperation with other teams.

On May 21, 2023, members of BNUZH-China headed by Team PI Prof. Zhang, went to Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University to participate in the 2023 South China Exchange Meeting hosted by Team SZU-China.

Throughout this meet-up event, we had thorough discussions with other iGEM teams in South China, demonstrating our own projects, studying other teams' projects, and actively pursuing new forms of collaboration.

Part 1 Morning

On event day, we arrived at the venue and were greeted warmly by the SZU-China team. They gave us a bag of cultural and creative products. Then we set up our booth and talked with other teams. Finally, the opening ceremony started the exchange session.

Then, each team showed their projects in the same sequence as the tracks and discussed each other's ideas and recommendations during the Q&A session. The therapy and detection teams presented their projects in the morning. Our team leader introduced our project on ferroptosis induction in cancer cells by engineered bacteria and answered other team's inquiries to talk with our colleagues and advance further.

Part 2 Afternoon

After lunch, we welcomed Mr. Shi Songlin and Mr. Du Xiaoxi from CCiC and HP Committee to share their notes on this year's participation and Human Practice topics. Mr. Shi Songlin explained the HP policy, including program decision-making, social responsibility, activity safety, activity design, learning, and reflection. This provided guidance for the 2023 iGEM team's HP activities.

Part 3 Summarize

During the meeting, our team representatives divided the work and collaborated, observed the project display and booth communication, and participated in academic exchanges with other project teams. We gained valuable insights from other teams. We also talked with our Human Practice colleagues about the work we do, including HP activities, new policies, and learning from each other. By exchanging ideas and strengths, we greatly improved our own projects.

We thank SZU-China for organizing the event and all our friends who attended.

We attended the CCiC event hosted by Hainan University from July 7 to 10, 2023. Throughout the conference, we had the opportunity to hear presentations from experts at Peking University, ATANTARES, Zhejiang University, and the Institute of Oceanography at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. We took part in Workshop events, including a summer scavenger hunt and a biology-themed debate. Concurrently, we presented our project to iGEM teams from across China and learned about their projects. We exchanged experiences, ideas, and discussed enhancing our project direction as well as improving the methods for our experiments. Through team discussions, we received valuable suggestions that instigated our program's improvement.

At the CCiC event, we had multiple discussions with the SZU-China team regarding the construction of an shRNA expression vector targeting a specific gene. We gained valuable insights and resolved numerous challenges encountered during our experiments through these exchanges, such as validating the suitability of our designed shRNA and optimizing the annealing of the interfering sequences. We collectively discussed strategies with Peking to improve targeting specificity towards tumor cells and explored methods for inducing gene expression in low oxygen and high lactate environments. And we had our first encounter with the USTC team, and together, we explored the topic of engineered bacteria coupled with single-chain antibodies. Our team aimed to enhance the targeting specificity of engineered bacteria for tumors by constructing a fusion protein, Lpp-OmpA-scFv, using the bacterial outer membrane protein display system. We learned about Tsinghua's groundbreaking research on utilizing thermal activation of engineered bacteria for breast cancer treatment. In terms of project design, we engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the selection of chassis bacteria and the utilization of the OmpA signal peptide.

In the end, our team together with UM-Macau formed the "Twin City Warriors" team to participate in the 10^th CCiC biological debate competition, which was held offline and live online. Our debate was "The ethical basic requirements of laboratory animals in China only need/not only need the 3R principle". We debated as the positive side and the opposite side of the team, insisting that the 3R principle is sufficient to meet the ethical requirements of most laboratory animals, and other ethical requirements are based on the idea of the 3R principle, but are only additional supplements. We insist on a balance between "experimental science" and "ethical protection of animals".

We joined the entrepreneurship theme seminar organized by Squirrel-CHN on July 30, 2023. During the seminar, we presented our program to the audience, and shared the example of Salmonella entrepreneurship of HKND YB1 PHARMACEUTUCAL LIMITED. We introduced the possibilities of using engineered bacteria to induce ferroptosis in oncology medicine for entrepreneurship and the advantages and prospects of our project. Finally, participating teams and companies communicated their suggestions with us. Through this seminar, we showed other teams and companies our preparation for the industrialization of the project and expressed our determination to carry out the industrialization. At the same time, we also gained a lot of experience and suggestions about entrepreneurship, which will help us to promote the industrialization of our project.

We held the First Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress in China on July 27, 2023. This event brought together all iGEM teams we known in China that are involved in microbial therapy for tumors. The purpose of the congress was to facilitate the sharing of projects and foster discussions on potential collaborations. Following our participation in the 10^th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC), several teams specializing in microbial therapy for cancer took the initiative to organize special seminars. These sessions aimed to address project-related challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Our proposal to host the First Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress in China received enthusiastic responses from numerous groups, including JLU-NBBMS, Peking, Tsinghua, PekingHSC, and Guangxi-U-China. During the congress, we prioritized exchanging experiences and addressing challenges encountered during experimentation. Additionally, we focused on discussing collaborative efforts in human practice, organizing educational activities, and developing a cancer treatment reference manual. Simultaneously, we shared our experiences and highlighted the obstacles encountered in conducting human practices.

After the previous meeting, each team encountered several challenges in both the experiment and human practice. As a result, we have decided to hold another exchange meeting two weeks later to address the unresolved problems from the last meeting. During this meeting, we shared the progress of our experiments and discuss the future prospects of microbial-mediated tumor therapy projects with the iGEM teams involved in China.

Through constant discussion and compromise in this meeting, we have successfully finalized the framework of the reference manual. JLU-NBBSM believes that the reference manual should start with a background section. In this section, we will review the current traditional cancer treatment methods, identify the difficulties that need to be addressed, and discuss the advantages of microorganism-mediated cancer therapy and its potential solutions. Our team has suggested including a discussion on troublesome yet prevalent tumor types in the background section. Additionally, we propose reviewing the different ways in which chassis have been engineered for microbial-mediated cancer therapy based on previous iGEM competitions.

PekingHSC has emphasized the importance of human practice in the iGEM competition. Therefore, they suggested including an introduction to this aspect in the manual, along with a thorough discussion on the safety and ethics of this new treatment. After a comprehensive discussion among all teams, the framework of the manual has been refined, and we have assigned specific tasks to each team based on their expertise.

During the meeting, we also discussed the possibility of organizing a new type of inter-school science promotion activity. We propose a combination of online and offline methods, where the team will provide online scientific explanations and introductions while inviting interested students to participate in an offline design venue. This activity aims to enhance the knowledge of cancer and introduce new treatment methods to a larger audience of students with a background in the field.

Approximately one month later, our third meeting took place. During this meeting, we initially discussed the progress of relevant experiments and human activities. Due to specific problems, we engaged in detailed discussions with certain teams. For instance, we collaborated with the Tsinghua team to address the creation of anaerobic conditions. Tsinghua provided several techniques such as utilizing anaerobic bags and tanks, locating professional anaerobic incubators, and using CO₂ cylinders to eliminate oxygen.

Afterwards, we exchanged information regarding the individual responsibilities for completing the manual and prepared to commence the integration and typesetting processes. Our team, as well as the PekingHSC team, specifically examined the ethical considerations surrounding engineered bacteria and viruses in microbial therapy. Regarding the safety concerns and potential ethical implications related to the engineered bacteria, our focus was on the challenges involved in clinical application and the acceptance by frontline doctors and patients. Additionally, we discovered that the engineering of live bacterial agents may not meet the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice of Medical Products (GMP) grade reagents during the production process. PekingHSC concentrated on the challenges and new requirements associated with oncolytic viruses within the expanding market of biological therapies, considering their potential "double-edged sword" effect. Consequently, we incorporated our discussion of the ethics and safety section into the manual.

Simultaneously, during this meeting, we shared ideas among the teams regarding synthetic biology education and expressed our desire to conduct a meaningful intercollegiate popular science activity focused on microbial therapy for tumors.

This meetup represents a regional collaborative exchange and discussion among four iGEM teams from the Greater Bay Area, including university from Shenzhen (SZU-China), Zhuhai (BNUZH-China), Macau (UM-Macau), and Hong Kong (HKUST). On July 30^th 2023, we gathered at the campus of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for a one-day meet-up event. We first introduced our respective projects, including experimental design, progress in wet lab experiments, and collaboration directions for dry lab teams. Through discussions and exchanges, we reached a consensus on breaking down the 'high wall' between industry and academia, all with a passionate desire to transform more iGEM projects into practical applications in the future.

During this meet up event, we preliminarily discussed the planning of the 1^st iGBA and aimed to provide iGEM teams with a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, allowing innovative ideas in the field of synthetic biology to be supported and realized. With great ambition, we proposed the idea of an industry-academia-research forum during this meetup, aiming to facilitate better understanding between iGEM teams and companies in the Greater Bay Area, while helping teams learn advanced technology and ideas from outstanding enterprises. This meetup strengthened the friendship between iGEM teams in the Greater Bay Area and promoted in-depth collaborations in various aspects such as experiments, modeling, and human practices.

Overview:

What was iGBA?
iGBA stood for the "iGEM Greater Bay Area", a collaborative initiative initiated by teams from Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai Campus), the University of Macau, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Shenzhen University. This regional exchange event bridged the gap between academia and industry, offering a unique platform for iGEM teams and relevant enterprises in the Greater Bay Area.

What was the Industry-Academia-Research Forum?
The Industry-Academia-Research Forum was a dynamic space for face-to-face interaction, fostering collaboration between universities and enterprises. In this vibrant forum, iGEM teams engaged in discussions with each other and with businesses, exploring innovative solutions, considering future project directions from both an academic and industrial perspective, and aligning projects with societal production needs.

Process:

Event Details
Date: August 18^th to August 20^th

Location: Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai

Forum Agenda
Over three enriching days, the agenda included enterprise introductions, team-enterprise interactions, and visits to research and development units. Enterprise introductions focused on academic topics such as product development strategies, considerations during research-to-product translation, cutting-edge advancements in gene engineering, directions for synthetic biology industry development, and the latest policy support. Team-enterprise interactions were facilitated through booth interactions, where participating teams delved deeper into their areas of interest and prepared promotional materials to enhance engagement. During the research and development unit visits, we took attendees inside Tangchen Biotech's transparent factory and the University of Macau Science and Technology Research Institute, providing an up-close look at the product manufacturing process and a more intuitive understanding of results transformation.

iGBA Process

Day 1:
Opening Ceremony
The first day of the 1^st iGBA began with an opening ceremony. Mr. Guo Kanjun, Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation at Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai Campus), delivered a speech, highlighting the university's efforts in promoting academic collaboration in the Greater Bay Area and the significance of the iGBA forum for interdisciplinary cooperation in the region.

Professor Zhang Genfa, head of the BNUZH-China team, introduced the iGEM competition, expressing hope for the bright prospects of synthetic biology development. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between iGEM teams in the Greater Bay Area.

Professor Li Zian, leader of the UM-Macau team, stressed the importance of effective communication between teams and encouraged open dialogues.

Dr. Deng Simin from HKUST introduced the judging criteria for the iGEM competition and offered valuable advice to participating teams.

Mr. Shi Songlin, a member of the CCiC executive committee, highlighted the importance of scientific research exchanges between teams and expressed support for collaboration in the Greater Bay Area.

Industry-Academia-Research Salon
During the afternoon session, various iGEM teams and companies set up booths for promotion and interaction. The atmosphere was lively, fostering relaxed and enjoyable communication between teams and enterprises. Mr. Wu Jun from Zhuhai Kairui Biotech Co., Ltd., emphasized the essential aspects of translating biological research into concrete product production.

Mr. Zhang Jinglu from ZHUHAI SANMED BIOTECH, introduced the company's innovative solution for early diagnosis of lung cancer, emphasizing the integration of synthetic biology and high-tech to support China's national healthcare strategy. Ms. Xuan Ying from Help Therapeutics, stressed the importance of "application-oriented" and "open sharing" principles in collaborative synthetic biology projects, promoting the integration of biomedicine in the Greater Bay Area.

Mr. He Yusheng from ImStem Biotechnology, shared the company's groundbreaking research in the field of stem cells and its determination to collaborate with universities and clinical institutions to build a multi-center research and clinical cooperation network.

Dr. Fan Tuoyuan from the Science and Technology and Economic Development Bureau of Zhuhai High-Tech Zone introduced new models of industry-academia-research cooperation, such as "license in" and "license out," inspiring attendees to think from an industry perspective.

Team-Enterprise Interaction
In the afternoon, iGEM teams and companies engaged in promotional activities and discussions at their booths. This aimed to advance the implementation of industry-academia-research collaboration and prepare for the application of iGEM research projects in practical industries. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, fostering easy and pleasant exchanges between teams and enterprises.

After the interactions, a member of the BNUZH-China team stated, "Although our interactions with iGEM teams and companies were brief, we gained valuable insights. Through this exchange, we not only learned academic knowledge from different research projects but also received suggestions from different perspectives, which greatly enhanced our project. More importantly, after interacting with multiple parties, we felt that the blueprint for industry-academia-research collaboration in the Greater Bay Area was unfolding before our eyes, providing direction and boosting our confidence in the transformation of our project results."

Day 2:
The next morning, participants visited the BYHEALTH Transparent Factory, where they learned about intelligent production workshops, unmanned warehouses, the company's culture, and nutritional knowledge. This visit provided insights into the production models and specific industry-academia-research collaborations of cutting-edge biomedicine companies, offering valuable references for future collaborations.

After lunch, everyone visited the ZHUHAI UM SCIENCE&TCHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, a demonstration base for industry-academia-research established by the University of Macau. Through explanations by institute officials, participants toured the laboratories, learned about the institute's development history and philosophy, and gained new insights into research directions and projects. This visit allowed participants to genuinely experience the flourishing development of industry-academia-research collaboration in the Greater Bay Area and its positive impact on society.

On the afternoon of the 20^th, the 1^st iGEM Greater Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia-Research Forum came to a successful conclusion. At the closing ceremony, Professor Chen Guokai, Acting Dean of the Zhuhai Macau Technology Research Institute, and four representatives of the iGBA organizing committee delivered closing remarks, expressing support for the forum, expectations for future iGBA forums, and hopes for future industry-academia-research cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.

The road of industry-academia-research collaboration in the Greater Bay Area is long and challenging. Through this forum, we hope to promote academic progress and industrial success in the region, making a greater contribution to the economic development of the Greater Bay Area.

The 1^st iGBA provided valuable opportunities for iGEM teams to interact with one another, gain insights from industry leaders, and explore potential collaborations, fostering a spirit of friendship and cooperation among participants.

The 2023 iGEM Intercollegiate Synthetic Biology Science Conference, "Unveiling the Wonders of Synthetic Biology," kicked off on September 3^rd, 2023 at Lijiao Building. This event embraced a hybrid format, offering both in-person attendance and online participation via Tencent Meeting (Meeting ID: 485 713 633). In this session, attendees were captivated by a diverse range of captivating topics. From BNUZH-China's groundbreaking work utilizing engineered bacteria for cancer therapy to SUSTech-OCE's exploration of synthetic biology's role in sustainability and environmental protection, they embarked on a journey of scientific discovery and innovation.

On September 30, 2023, we attended a scientific exhibition at the Guangdong Science Center, which was jointly organized by SCUT-China and SCAU-China, with the theme of "Synthetic Biology and Sustainable Development." Synthetic biology also plays an important role in the field of environmental protection. For example, by designing and constructing microorganisms with specific functions, scientists can help treat wastewater, purify air, and degrade harmful substances, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development. The exhibition area showcased the interpretation of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the research status and typical cases of synthetic biology in addressing issues related to resources, environment, healthcare, and other aspects of sustainable development. Our teams gathered in front of the display boards, discussing the application of synthetic biology in achieving sustainable development goals and learning a lot of relevant knowledge.

In order to better popularize and publicize microbial-mediated cancer therapy, we organized a synthetic biology-related content presentation. The Science Popularization Meeting of the iGEM Cancer Biotherapy Congress, "Microbial Therapy for Cancer: Bridging Science and Hope," took place on September 17, 2023 at Lijiao Building. This session also featured a hybrid format, enabling both in-person participation and online engagement via Tencent Meeting (Meeting ID: 274 628 178). In this conference, we delved into the promising realm of microbial therapy for cancer. Attendees discovered how synthetic biology intersected with cancer research and learned about cutting-edge advancements in cancer treatment. They engaged in enlightening discussions with iGEM teams from diverse universities and had the opportunity to win creative souvenir packages.