Syn Bio Workshop
The 3 day Synthetic Biology Workshop, organized by Team iGEMxICT, offered an immersive learning experience for graduation-level students at SIRAC KJ Somaiya. The workshop aimed to introduce participants to the exciting world of synthetic biology, fostering an understanding of its principles, applications, and ethical considerations.
Event Highlights:
Lectures by Experts: Dr Shamlan Reshamwala from the field of synthetic biology delivered insightful lectures, covering topics ranging from the basics of genetic engineering to the latest advancements in the field. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of synthetic biology's interdisciplinary nature and its potential impact on various industries.
Hands-on Laboratory Sessions: The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, attendees performed basic xyz xyz xyz. These practical sessions allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge and witness real-world applications.
Team Projects: Participants were divided into teams and assigned unique synthetic biology projects. These projects encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Each team designed a hypothetical application of synthetic biology to address a real-world problem, fostering innovation and teamwork.
Ethics and Safety Discussion: A crucial aspect of the workshop was the exploration of ethical and safety considerations related to synthetic biology. Through interactive discussions, participants examined the potential risks and benefits of manipulating biological systems and engaged in thoughtful conversations about responsible research practices.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsor, GeNei, for their invaluable support in providing lab-related products for our SynBio Workshop. Thank you, GeNei, for being a vital part of this educational endeavor and contributing to the success of the workshop.
Key Takeaways:
Foundational Knowledge: Participants gained a strong foundation in synthetic biology, understanding its core principles and methodologies.
Practical Skills: Hands-on laboratory sessions equipped participants with practical skills, enhancing their confidence in working with biological materials.
Interdisciplinary Thinking: The workshop encouraged participants to think across disciplines, realizing the potential of collaboration between biology, engineering, and other fields.
Ethical Awareness: Participants developed an awareness of the ethical implications associated with synthetic biology, preparing them for responsible scientific research.
Networking: Interaction with experts and peers fostered networking opportunities and exposed participants to potential future collaborations and career paths.
Conclusion:
The 3 day SynBio Workshop from 13 to 15th June 2023 by Team iGEMxICT provided an invaluable opportunity for graduation-level students at SIRAC KJ Somaiya to delve into the realm of synthetic biology. Through lectures, hands-on experiences, and engaging discussions, participants acquired essential knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations, setting the stage for their further exploration and potential contributions to the field. The workshop not only enriched participants' educational journey but also nurtured their curiosity and passion for cutting-edge scientific endeavors
BioSafety and BioContainment Webinar
The webinar conducted in collaboration with IISER Pune delved into the critical subject of yeast biosafety within the realm of genetic engineering. Dr. Shamlan Reshamvala, our esteemed speaker and PI of iGEM team ICT Mumbai, shed light on a comprehensive array of strategies and considerations to ensure effective biocontainment when working with genetically modified (GM) yeast organisms.
Dr. Reshamwala commenced the discussion by underscoring the paramount importance of nutritional auxotrophy. This method renders GM yeast strains reliant on specific nutrients, strategically limiting their ability to thrive outside controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of conditional gene expression and protein stability control. Employing inducible promoters and ligand-dependent folding, these mechanisms ensure that essential genes are active only under meticulously regulated circumstances, thus minimizing unintended functionality when the GM yeast is exposed to natural environments.
Sensitivity engineering emerged as a vital strategy, enabling GM yeast to exhibit heightened responsiveness to ubiquitous environmental molecules, such as fluoride. This heightened sensitivity acts as a barrier to adaptation to external surroundings. Synthetic auxotrophy, another key focus, involves creating dependencies on non-natural molecules or amino acids, significantly restricting the GM yeast's capacity to survive beyond controlled settings.
The presentation also covered the implementation of genetic "kill switches." These specialized circuits, when activated, trigger programmed cell death within GM yeast, offering a final safeguard to prevent unintended proliferation and survival.
The second part of the webinar featured Dr. Vinod Jyothikumar, an expert in operation management consultation at DSS+. Dr. Jyothikumar's presentation explored the intersection of biosecurity, biosafety, and synthetic biology in the context of sustainable technology. He underscored the significance of comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation when working with genetically engineered organisms, emphasizing that responsible research practices must consider both benefits and potential risks. Dr. Jyothikumar also discussed the importance of regulatory compliance, ethical discussions, and education in promoting responsible synthetic biology practices.
In summary, this webinar provided a comprehensive and insightful exploration of yeast biosafety, genetic engineering, and the broader implications of synthetic biology in sustainable technology. The key takeaways include the need for robust biocontainment strategies, continuous monitoring of escape frequencies, strict adherence to regulations, thorough risk assessment, and active engagement in ethical discussions. These insights serve as valuable guidelines for researchers and scientists, ensuring that genetic engineering and synthetic biology contribute to innovation while minimizing potential risks and promoting a sustainable future.
Basics Of DNA Cloning Seminar
In a dynamic hour-long session, approximately 120 students embarked on an exploration of the Basics of DNA Cloning. The seminar covered an array of pivotal topics, captivating participants with its hands-on approach and real-world applications.
The seminar began by unraveling the intricacies of identifying Genes of Interest (GOIs), setting the stage for the subsequent processes. Plasmid isolation offered a tangible glimpse into the extraction of genetic material, while Restriction Digestion showcased the art of DNA cleavage at specific sites, guided by enzymes.
Ligation, a genetic stitching process, led participants through the creation of recombinant molecules, demonstrating the practicality of genetic manipulation. The transformative process of Comp Cell Preparation paved the way for DNA transfer, with Transformation revealing how foreign DNA can be introduced into cells, enabling novel traits.
The workshop seamlessly connected theory and practice by showcasing media broth and live cultures, bridging the gap between concept and reality. The concept of Screening underscored precision in selecting cells with successfully integrated DNA.
In essence, the workshop's immersive experience kindled a passion for biotechnology and genetic engineering. As participants left with enriched knowledge and a newfound appreciation for molecular biology's potential, the workshop marked the beginning of a journey into the fascinating world of DNA cloning.
Diverse Bread Making Activity
India observes its National Nutrition week from September 1st to 7th to raise awareness about balanced nutrition and its impact on overall health. To emphasize our project’s aim to increase the nutritional content of fermented millet and legume products, along with celebrating the diversity of various regions of our State- Maharashtra, our team held a bread-making activity with 5 different types of grains, originating from different villages in Maharashtra that the students of our institute are from.
This activity kickstarted by opening applications for all the students in our institute to submit entries of the millets and legumes widely grown and consumed in the region they originate from. Five types of grains representing the regions of Maharashtra were selected- Jowar(sorghum) from Ahmednagar, Bajra(Pearl millet) from Nashik, Gahu(Wheat) from Amravati, Nachani(finger millet) from Ratnagiri and Soybean from Kolhapur. The flours of these respective grains were obtained and a standard bread recipe was used. It comprised of 1 teaspoon of the baker’s active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4th teaspoon of salt and water as needed, for 1 cup of the respective flours. After kneading the dough, they were allowed to bulk rise for one hour and then shaped into small loaves. They were allowed to then proof for a second time for one more hour. They were then baked for 25 minutes.
This activity gave all the participating students as well as our team thorough insight into the different physical properties of the grains such as their different water volume requirements to make the dough explaining the varying hygroscopic levels, their textures indicating the amount of gluten present and their differing rise levels indicating the amount of sugar in each dough. Moreover, it also shed light on the local grain options with immense nutritional benefits, available and grown in our state itself.
Overall, it was a creative and hands-on educational experience to learn about the easy bread-making process; celebrating the diversity of various millets in our state and the commercial products that can be made with them; as well as learning the physical properties and health benefits they possess.
Craft Activity with the Dadar Street Kids
We had the distinct privilege of collaborating with Mr. Vikrant Keer, a luminary from the Barefoot Foundation, to orchestrate an impactful education outreach activity for the underprivileged street children of Dadar.
These children often grapple with formidable challenges, including limited access to essential learning resources. Our innovative and culturally sensitive approach to teaching, conducted entirely in Marathi, has yielded profoundly positive outcomes. We introduced them to the world of science through interactive activities.
In our first lesson, we explored the organelles of cells and their functions through a hands-on craft activity. The children delved into the microscopic world within them, making learning fun and accessible.
In our subsequent lesson, we employed an ingenious pedagogical approach to elucidate the double-stranded ladder structure of DNA. Equipped with ice cream sticks, each symbolizing a base pair, we demonstrated the indelible pairing of A with T and G with C. The children were not only educated but also actively participated in the creation of their unique DNA ladders, etching the lesson deep into their memories.
The children not only grasped scientific concepts but also developed a newfound enthusiasm for learning.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Vikrant Keer and are immensely grateful for his contribution to the success of this endeavor.