SYNBIO SPARK

As a collective of undergraduate research scholars, we possess a clear appreciation for the vital role that high-quality education plays in nurturing students as the hope for our future world. With this understanding, we have chosen to maximize the resources and opportunities offered by iGEM to inspire students to delve into the realm of science and recognize their capacity to address global challenges. Drawing from the insights provided in the 'White Paper' provided by the iGEM Indian League, we have aspired to integrate initiatives aimed at addressing the obstacles encountered in the field of synthetic biology education within India.

We identified a significant gap in the current school educational system regarding the dissemination of knowledge about synthetic biology. In response, we initiated a series of educational activities named "Synbio Spark" with the objective of spreading awareness and understanding of synthetic biology and its applications among students of various age groups in both rural and urban areas. We selected schools affiliated with both State and CBSE Boards to ensure inclusivity. The primary goal of the "Synbio Spark" series was to acquaint students with the fundamental principles of synthetic biology, its potential to foster sustainable development, and the ethical and safety considerations associated with genetic modification.

To make the learning experience more effective, we customized our presentations to align with the students’ existing curriculum, drawing connections between synthetic biology concepts and their textbooks. Before each session, we conducted a brief oral survey to gauge the students' prior knowledge and expectations. Additionally, we collected feedback forms after the sessions to assess the practical impact of our efforts. At the outset of each episode, we explained our current projects and the goals we wish to achieve. We also highlighted the iGEM competition, emphasizing the opportunities it offers for addressing real-world challenges and generating innovative solutions to benefit society. To make the content engaging and relatable, we incorporated videos showcasing laboratory work and research activities at our institute to kindle the students' interest and provide comprehensive answers to their queries.

Synbio spark: Episode 1

We conducted an oral survey to assess the students' prior knowledge of synthetic biology, revealing that only one out of the 20 students was familiar with the subject. Our educational session was structured into three parts to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

The first part aimed to establish a common foundation by introducing synthetic biology and shed light on the basic principles of genomic engineering. This served as a crucial starting point for all participants.

In the second part, we delved into the practical applications of synthetic biology in addressing real-world challenges. We encouraged students to cultivate observational skills and showcased exciting examples of how synthetic biology can offer solutions, ranging from small-scale issues to broader societal problems.

The subsequent segment focused on raising awareness about significant ethical and safety considerations associated with synthetic biology and genomic engineering, such as bioethics and biosafety. To engage the students further, we challenged them to conceptualize a genetically modified organism (GMO) that could address a problem in their daily lives. Through this exercise, we guided them to consider the potential consequences of such genetic modifications. We organized a crossword puzzle competition to make the learning experience enjoyable and interactive.

In the final part of our session, we discussed various online platforms and resources available for learning synthetic biology. We emphasized the importance of discussions and collaborative learning, conveying the message that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds. To facilitate self-directed learning, we provided students with a pamphlet containing information on synthetic biology applications in diverse fields and recommended social media platforms where they could access resources for self-learning and research.

In students’ perception, synthetic biology can be used to :

1. Engineer heterotrophs to synthesize their own food-like plants(autotrophic) to address poverty.
2. To regenerate organs after amputations.
3. Develop Anti-addiction therapies.
4. Produce bioluminescent plants.
5. Treat cardiovascular diseases.
6. Treat Cataract.

Synbio spark: Episode 2

We crafted visual aids representing key concepts such as Chromosomes, DNA, Base pairing, and transformation to provide students with a clear and lasting understanding of these fundamental principles. Our instructional session was structured into three distinct parts:

Introduction to Synthetic Biology and Basic Concepts: In this initial segment, we laid the groundwork by familiarizing the students with the essentials of synthetic biology, including genetic material, DNA, nucleotides, chromosomes, and the mechanisms behind the exchange of genetic material. We also kindled their enthusiasm by showcasing the fascinating real-world applications of synthetic biology.

Hands-On Experiments: The next phase featured two engaging experiments. First, we demonstrated to the students a DNA extraction experiment, offering them a firsthand experience of witnessing genetic material. Subsequently, we delved into the intriguing world of yeast fermentation, demonstrating the process through another engaging experiment, signifying the common model organisms in scientific research and why they are frequently employed in laboratory investigations.

Interactive Activity: The following part of our session involved a creative and interactive activity. We challenged the students to solve a rearranging riddle using cardboard components, forming representations of bacteria and viruses. This hands-on exercise fostered a deeper comprehension of these biological entities.

Concluding Inspiration: To conclude our session on an inspirational note, we distributed chocolates accompanied by motivational quotes related to learning. Additionally, we gathered valuable feedback from the students, ensuring that their perspectives and insights were taken into consideration for future educational activities.

We explained the concept in the native (Telugu) language since the kids were uncomfortable in English.

Overall, our multifaceted approach sought to make synthetic biology concepts accessible, engaging, and memorable for the students, nurturing their curiosity and understanding of this exciting field.

Synbio spark: Episode 3

We had the privilege of engaging with a substantial number of students, and the response we received was truly remarkable. Our educational session was thoughtfully divided into four distinct parts:

Introduction to Synthetic Biology and Basic Terminology: Initially, we introduced the concept of synthetic biology and familiarized the students with key terms. Through interactions, we discovered that while students were aware of some of the terminology associated with synthetic biology, they were not necessarily familiar with the underlying concepts. Therefore, we provided a comprehensive explanation of the fundamental principles of synthetic biology, along with showcasing noteworthy innovations in the field. Our aim was to inspire and cultivate their interest in addressing global challenges through synthetic biology solutions.

Hands-On DNA Extraction and Concept Clarification: In the next segment, we conducted a DNA extraction experiment, enabling students to witness firsthand the structure of DNA and its location within chromosomes inside the cell nucleus. We further enhanced their understanding by creating illustrative materials to explain these concepts. During this phase, we also emphasized the importance of biosafety and bioethical considerations when working with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Engaging Word Game - "Biolex": To infuse an element of fun and excitement into the learning process, we introduced a lively word game called "Biolex." This engaging activity featured biology-related words and was designed to demonstrate that learning can be an enjoyable experience.

Student Innovation Challenge: In the final part of our session, we encouraged students to think critically and creatively. We invited them to envision and design organisms that could address pressing global issues. Their ideas spanned a wide range of topics, from regenerating human organs to eradicating COVID-19. As a parting gesture, we provided the students with a pamphlet about synthetic biology's diverse applications across various fields.

Additionally, we shared resources on social media platforms that promote self-directed learning and research in synthetic biology.

The feedback we received from the students, documented in our feedback chart, revealed their enthusiasm and a strong desire to apply synthetic biology to tackle real-world challenges such as:

1. Regenerating human organs
2. Reducing Water Pollution
3. Reducing plastic pollution
4. Increasing lifespan of the human population
5. Increasing IQ
6. To create model babies
7. Bring back extinct animals
8. To save endangered vertebrates
9. Increase agriculture yield in limited land
10. Reducing Global warming
11. Treat Cancer
12. To Create artificial milk
13. Eradicate Covid 19

In addition to our engaging session with the students, we had the privilege of interacting with approximately 15 teachers at the school. During these interactions, we received valuable feedback and had insightful discussions about synthetic biology and its diverse applications. We were heartened to receive their appreciation for our efforts in educating students about this exciting field. These interactions with teachers provided us with a broader perspective and reinforced our commitment to promoting synthetic biology education and awareness.

Synbio spark: Episode 4

The session brought together students of varying age groups, and we kicked it off with an animated video designed to captivate young minds and inspire curiosity. This video highlighted the immense scope of science and biology, setting the stage for an engaging exploration. We began by laying a solid foundation and explaining the fundamental concepts of synthetic biology. We clarified what synthetic biology entails and demonstrated how its principles can be harnessed to address real-world challenges. We utilized crafted materials that we had prepared in advance to facilitate comprehension.

Next, we conducted a captivating DNA extraction experiment, allowing the students to witness the magic of genetic material firsthand. Following this, we introduced them to "Biolex," a dynamic word game infused with biology-related terminology. This interactive activity made learning enjoyable and encouraged the students to think creatively.

As a significant component of the session, we encouraged the students to unleash their imagination and design a genetically modified organism (GMO) that they believed could make a positive global impact. Through this exercise, we introduced the concept of biosafety, underscoring the ethical considerations associated with genetic modifications.

In the final segment, we fostered an interactive environment where the students shared their aspirations in life and discussed how they envision contributing to the betterment of the world in the future. This segment provided an opportunity for personal reflection and encouraged them to consider their potential roles as future change-makers. Our session was designed to educate and inspire young minds, cultivating their interest in synthetic biology and motivating them to become active participants in shaping a brighter future.

SYNBIO WEBINAR SERIES

The "SYNBIO WEBINAR SERIES" is a sequence of webinars on the subject of synthetic biology presented by professors from the Biotechnology Department. The primary objective of this series is to engage a broader audience, particularly high school students to undergraduates, by providing insights into synthetic biology and its diverse applications. Each webinar is scheduled to last for a duration of one hour.

WEBINAR 1: "SCOPE AND FUTURE OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY"

In this inaugural webinar, we explored the compelling reasons behind the necessity for technological advancements that support environmental, social, and economic well-being, with a central focus on sustainability. The interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology was highlighted as a key enabler for achieving sustainable development. The key topics covered during this session included:

• The Evolution of Synthetic Biology: An overview of the development and progression of synthetic biology over the years.
• Application Across Diverse Fields: A detailed look at the broad range of applications of synthetic biology, particularly emphasizing its role in biomanufacturing.
• Genetic and Metabolic Engineering: An exploration of the principles and techniques involved in genetic and metabolic engineering.
• Recent Advances: A discussion on the latest breakthroughs in synthetic genome technology and an introduction to the tools used in protein engineering.

WEBINAR 2: "SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY IN ALKALOID PRODUCTION"

In our second webinar, we delved into a specific application of synthetic biology—alkaloid production. The objective was to ignite curiosity among our audience regarding the extensive range of possibilities that synthetic biology offers and its relevance across various fields.

The key focus areas of this session included:

Alkaloid Production: An in-depth explanation of how synthetic biology techniques can be employed to produce alkaloids, showcasing one of the practical applications of synthetic biology. By offering these informative and engaging webinars, we aim to educate and inspire our audience to explore the world of synthetic biology and its potential impact on various domains.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SESSION

Recognizing the paramount importance of mental health, often overlooked in the face of demanding academic schedules and the challenges of campus life, we, as students, aimed to address this critical aspect of human well-being. Particularly in an environment where students live away from home and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, the risk of experiencing fluctuations in mental health is high. To extend our support, we targeted students and researchers within our institute, conducting a Mental Health Awareness talk on campus with a focus on the following key areas:

• Gut-Brain Axis: We explored the intricate connection between gut health and mental well-being, shedding light on how the two are intertwined.
• Factors Affecting Mental Health: Delving into the factors that can influence mental health, we aimed to raise awareness of the multifaceted nature of this issue.
• Disadvantages of Poor Quality Mental Well-being: We emphasized the negative consequences associated with neglecting one's mental health, underlining the need for proactive measures.
• Ways to Improve Mental Health: Offering practical strategies and solutions, we guided students and researchers on how to enhance their mental well-being.

Our approach included incorporating open-ended questions and interactive elements within our presentation to facilitate a mutual dialogue, encouraging participants to engage with the material.

At the conclusion of the session, we took the opportunity to introduce iGEM, our ongoing project, and highlighted the potential for research in mental health-related fields. We stressed this research's significance and its vital role in understanding and addressing mental health challenges.

To further our mission, we created a "Mental Health Awareness Reel, highlighting the power of kindness and helping others as a means to reinforce mental health. Motivational quotes were written on sticky notes and stuck on the researchers' belongings, delivering a sense of happiness in labs and throughout our campus environment, effectively countering stress. This reel was shared on Instagram, serving as an inspiring example and encouraging others to join in spreading kindness and promoting awareness of the critical importance of mental health.

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

YOGA DAY SESSION ON CAMPUS

Recognizing the profound impact of yoga and exercise on both physical and mental well-being, we organized a Yoga Day interactive session on our campus. This event was held in conjunction with a yoga demonstration session conducted by our institute, with the primary aim of educating students on the following key aspects:

• Understanding the Importance of Yoga: We emphasized the profound significance of incorporating yoga into one's daily routine as a means to enhance the quality of life. By elucidating the holistic benefits of yoga for physical and mental health, we encouraged students to consider yoga as a valuable practice.
• Yoga Poses for Enhanced Concentration and Stress Reduction: In this segment, we introduced specific yoga poses and techniques known for boosting concentration and alleviating academic stress. We provided practical guidance on how students could integrate these poses into their daily lives to improve their focus and manage the pressures of academia.
• Yoga Poses for Digestive Health: We shed light on yoga poses that promote digestive health and prevent gastrointestinal issues. Understanding the importance of a healthy digestive system, we shared yoga postures and practices that can aid in maintaining optimal digestive function.

Through this interactive session, we seek to empower students with the knowledge and tools to incorporate yoga into their daily routines. We aimed to contribute to the student community's holistic development and overall wellness by addressing the physical and mental aspects of well-being and digestive health.

SYNBIO INSTAGRAM POST SERIES

We introduced synthetic biology through Instagram using short videos that explain different aspects of synthetic biology, including history, bioethics, biosafety, and some of its interesting applications. The series targeted global social media users as Instagram has become an influential platform. Thus, we were able to reach out to diverse audiences.

COLLABORATIONS IN EDUCATION

INTROSPECT

Our collaborative event, "Introspect," serves as a platform for the global iGEM community to come together and shine a light on the challenges inherent in the iGEM competition. From high school students to undergraduates and postgraduates, participants pour their hearts and souls into developing projects within tight timelines. However, this journey is often faced with hurdles, including limited access to essential computational tools, conflicts between academic commitments and project responsibilities, insufficient lab exposure and funding, and the need for knowledgeable mentors to navigate these complex challenges.

Our overarching goal is to comprehensively examine these issues, find effective solutions, and cultivate a more favourable environment for the advancement of synthetic biology and the iGEM competition.

To achieve this, we reached out to iGEM teams and members of the iGEM community, urging them to collaborate with us by sharing their personal experiences and the difficulties they've encountered during their iGEM journeys or while working within the realm of synthetic biology.

These contributions take the form of short videos, social media posts, or written documents. Through "Introspect," we aim to foster a sense of community, transparency, and shared learning among iGEM enthusiasts. By collectively addressing the challenges faced in this field, we aspire to pave the way for a brighter future in synthetic biology, where aspiring scientists and researchers can thrive and overcome obstacles more effectively.

The major problems and plausible solutions:

• Team Management: In the context of iGEM, effective team management is crucial, given team members' diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This diversity can lead to clashes in thoughts and opinions. To address this, team members should prioritize understanding each other's viewpoints and demonstrating dedication and commitment to the project. Moreover, alignment on moral, ethical, and value-based principles that prioritize the greater good over personal motives is essential.

One effective approach to overcome these challenges is to seek pre-knowledge on potential issues and conflict resolution strategies. This can be achieved by consulting previous iGEM team members, Principal Investigators, professionals, or members of the iGEM community. If experts are not readily available within the institute, reaching out to individuals from different institutions can be a viable solution. Ultimately, each team member should be self-motivated and willing to invest significant effort to achieve the team's goals.

• Time Management and Resource Availability: Balancing academic commitments with iGEM work can significantly challenge many teams. Students need adequate time and a stress-free environment to foster creative thinking and productive discussions. The availability of essential resources, including research equipment and personnel for troubleshooting, is also vital for project development.

To address these issues, it's important to orient institute authorities about the responsibilities, opportunities, and values associated with iGEM competition. Students should actively communicate their needs to institute authorities and seek their support, including financial assistance and permissions. Institutes' support for innovation benefits society and alleviates the stress and pressure associated with iGEM projects.

• Synthetic Biology Communication: Effective communication of synthetic biology concepts to the general public is a common challenge during outreach activities. To overcome this challenge, involving native language speakers within the iGEM team can be helpful. Additionally, adopting a target audience-based communication strategy, associating information with relatable situations, and presenting it in an engaging manner with visuals like illustrations, graphics, and flowcharts can improve communication quality.
• Stress and Pressure: The intensity of iGEM projects can lead to stress, especially when there is a shortage of subteam members or when team members need to take on multiple roles. Proper guidance in each aspect of the project is essential. Additionally, addressing mental health is crucial to maintain motivation throughout the project. Incorporating fun into the learning and working process can effectively manage stress.

Engaging in interactive sessions with iGEM teams worldwide, outside the competitive context, can help alleviate stress. Collaborating with synthetic biology professionals and seeking frequent feedback on projects can also be beneficial. Encouraging collaboration among iGEM teams and fostering a culture of mutual assistance can reduce individual workloads and stress levels while improving project outcomes.

Credits for information:

• iGEM Bulgaria
• igem_nthu
• iGEM KU Leuven
• Puiching_Macau
• IISER TVM
• Suhani Kabra (iGEM Community member and Project Head -Lens on Labs)
• Sana Jalili (ex- iGEM Community Member, ex-iGEM Judge and iGEM Promoter Asia & Oceania)

INTROSPECTING SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY IN INDIA

Engaging with researchers from various fields of synthetic biology and biotechnology, including Tejas Borker, a Project Associate at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology provided valuable insights into the status and challenges faced by the biotechnology sector in India. Here are the takeaways from these discussions:

• Biotechnology Development and Challenges: The field of biotechnology in India is continually evolving but has not yet reached a stable state. As a result, projects often encounter obstacles and delays due to issues related to resource availability, which can hinder progress.

• Success Factors: Success in the field of biotechnology is driven by passion, genuine interest in the subject matter, collaborative efforts, a positive mindset, and hard work. Financial background plays a relatively minor role in determining the outcome of research endeavors.

• Funding and Expenses: While funding opportunities for research in biotechnology are available, they represent a critical aspect of project expenses. Securing adequate funding remains a challenge, and researchers often need to allocate a significant portion of their resources to meet the financial requirements of their projects.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial in biotechnology. Collaboration often involves working with multidisciplinary teams and requires effectively conveying ideas and insights.
• Position Availability: One of the challenges faced by researchers is finding a suitable position under the guidance of a Principal Investigator (PI) in their area of interest. The availability of such positions is limited, which can be a hurdle for aspiring researchers.
• Continuous Learning and Persistence: In the field of biotechnology, continuous learning and maintaining a motivated mindset are essential. Researchers must embrace the inevitability of failures along their journey and stay resilient in facing challenges.

These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the biotechnology landscape in India and highlight the key factors and challenges that researchers encounter in pursuing their work in the field. They underscore the importance of passion, collaboration, funding, and a growth-oriented mindset in advancing biotechnology research in the country.

Anukrati Sharma, a Project Associate at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology with expertise in bioinformatics and genomics, shared valuable insights during the discussion. Here are the main points and takeaways from her experience:

• Bioinformatics Significance: Bioinformatics is a rapidly evolving field within biology, gathering significant attention due to its critical role in advancing synthetic biology. It plays a pivotal role in processing and analyzing biological data, making it essential for various biological studies.
• R-Programming in Synthetic Biology: R-programming serves as the foundational programming language for synthetic biology studies. It is a versatile tool used for data analysis and visualization, particularly important for laboratory experiments where graphical data interpretation is key.
• Bioinformatics Projects: Anukrati's work in bioinformatics involves a range of projects, including de novo genome assembly of the saw-scaled viper, detection of structural polymorphisms in microsatellites in human DNA, and the creation of an Indian-specific reference genome. Additionally, she has contributed to documenting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations (SVs) in the Indian population.
• Tools in Bioinformatics: Anukrati utilizes various bioinformatics tools such as BWA (Burrows-Wheeler Alignment), Minimap, and Bowtie to carry out her research and data analysis.
• Challenges in Bioinformatics: A significant challenge in bioinformatics work is the lack of technical assistance, which can make the process more demanding. However, effective collaborations are common and can help mitigate these challenges.
• Fascination with NGS: Anukrati expressed her fascination with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), highlighting its transformative impact on genomics research.
• Background in Bioinformatics: Anukrati's journey into bioinformatics began without prior technical experience, and she did not have a mathematics background during her 12th-grade studies. Her success underscores the significance of passion and interest in overcoming these limitations, demonstrating that dedication and enthusiasm can play a more substantial role than formal prerequisites in the field of bioinformatics.

Anukrati Sharma's insights shed light on the importance of bioinformatics in modern biology, emphasizing the role of passion and interest in driving success in this dynamic field. Her experiences also highlight the collaborative nature of bioinformatics work and the transformative impact of NGS technologies.

COLLABORATION WITH IISC BANGLORE:

COLLABORATION WITH IISER BHOPAL:

Collaborating with iGEM IISER Bhopal, we took part in the Women in STEM Series, which was designed to spotlight and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

This series had a profound objective: to provide a platform for showcasing and honouring esteemed female professors, PhDs, iPhDs, and PDRFs from leading science institutes throughout India. The core aim was to allow these accomplished women to share their personal journeys, insights, and perspectives, serving as role models and sources of inspiration for young women considering careers in STEM fields.

By sharing their experiences and expertise, they encouraged and motivated aspiring female scientists, engineers, and technologists. To amplify the reach and impact of these interviews, snippets and highlights from these conversations were shared extensively across our social media channels. This ensured that the valuable messages, stories, and insights from these remarkable women in STEM reached a broad and diverse audience, ultimately promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in STEM disciplines.

PUBLIC AWARENESS IN REGIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE TIRUPATI

Educational activities are incomplete without the involvement of local people in Tirupati. We conducted our last synthetic biology education activity at the Regional Science Centre (RSC) Tirupati. Students from nursery to graduates visit the RSC along with their parents to explore the wonderful demonstrations present in the centre. We printed a banner (The Banner contained information about IBS and basic techniques involved in synthetic biology in a simple manner to make students of different disciplines understand the concept) along with 300 pamphlets (2 kinds) to spread awareness about IBS and educate people on synthetic biology. The first type of pamphlet contained information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. The second pamphlet consists of information about applications of synthetic biology in various fields and social media platforms to learn synthetic biology to promote self-learning and self-research. Our team explained to parents about introducing synthetic biology to their children, the various applications it has, and the importance of learning science in an interesting manner. We explained in our local native language (Telugu) for the sake of understanding of local people.

SYNBIO GAME:

Level 1

In this initial level, a crossword puzzle awaits the students. It features five words across and five down, introducing fundamental concepts in synthetic biology by acquainting them with essential terminology.

Level 2

Moving to the next level, students are tasked with identifying given images. The app provides helpful hints to facilitate a receptive understanding of synthetic biology concepts, making the learning experience more engaging.

Level 3

Level 3 delves into the world of DNA base pairing. Users must match the base pairs correctly, providing an immersive understanding of DNA base pairing and its importance in molecular biology.

Level 4

In this level, the focus shifts to DNA transcription and translation. Users are challenged to arrange sequences to create a functional gene for protein production. Upon successful completion, the reward is the visible fluorescence, reinforcing the understanding of the process and its real-world application.