Make a useful contribution for future iGEM teams. Use this page to document that contribution.
Make a useful contribution for future iGEM teams. Use this page to document that contribution.
If you are making a contribution by adding information to an existing Part or creating a new Part, you must document your contribution on the Part's Main Page on the Registry for your team to be eligible for this criteria. You can use this page to link to that part and include additional information about your contribution.
Please see the 2023 Medals Page for more information.
Ever since the conception of our groundbreaking project, we've ardently believed in extending our discoveries and experiences for the benefit of future iGEM generations. We have witnessed firsthand the monumental advantages of prior teams' meticulous documentation and have thus committed ourselves to reciprocate in kind.
Our project's heart is the synthesis of the bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using the microalgae C. reinhardtii. Through our extensive research, we recognized that the TCA cycle plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of PHB, with citrate being the key starting molecule, as opposed to the traditionally believed Acetyl-CoA.
It was a pioneering study suggesting the heightened production of biofuel in algae when co-cultured with E. coli that became the kernel of inspiration for our project. Building on this understanding, we revolutionized not only the metabolic pathways within these organisms but also the way they interact. By bringing them together in a co-culture, we could leverage the strengths of both, leading to optimal PHB synthesis.
One of our notable achievements was the strategic knockout of the pta-ackA gene in E. coli. This alteration was intended to boost the synthesis of Acetyl-CoA, which would then flow into the TCA cycle and eventually be utilized by algae as citrate. This meticulous gene modification exemplifies our approach to reengineering metabolic pathways for optimal results.
In the age of genetic engineering, biosecurity is of paramount importance. Our toxin-antitoxin system is a testament to our commitment to this cause, ensuring our genetically engineered algae remains strictly within lab confines, thereby safeguarding natural ecosystems.
Our journey was built upon the bedrock of extensive literature reviews, especially focusing on co-culturing techniques. Moreover, we sought out and were privileged to interact with renowned professors with stellar achievements in the PHB domain. These engagements enriched our understanding, provided valuable insights, and significantly bolstered our project's foundation.
Our multinational ensemble, a collaboration between GSU and SWJTU, consists of over 30 members, spanning two continents. This unique structure brought forth its set of challenges and advantages. The cross-cultural interactions and exchanges infused our project with diverse perspectives. With members situated in both the US and China, virtual communication became a cornerstone of our operations. We navigated time zone differences, utilized digital collaboration tools, and ensured a seamless flow of information. Our operational model, shaped by both the challenges of distance and the richness of diversity, is a testament to what global collaborations can achieve. We believe our experiences can offer future iGEM teams a roadmap for harmonious and efficient multinational collaborations.