Introduction
At the heart of our endeavours lies a deep commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and advancement within the iGEM community and the broader scientific landscape. As we navigate the intricate realm of synthetic biology and genetic engineering, our mission extends beyond the confines of our project. We recognize the interconnected nature of scientific progress and the significance of sharing knowledge, insights, and resources for the greater good. Here, we proudly showcase how our project makes meaningful contributions to the iGEM community and the scientific community at large. Together, we are shaping the future of synthetic biology, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the boundaries of our project.
Parts
We have meticulously characterized and thoroughly documented all the parts within our project, ensuring that they are well-detailed and easily accessible. The Gs alpha gene sequence serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in working with this novel biomarker. Moreover, by modifying the FRET aptamer and adding the cDNA, you can create an aptasensor, offering a versatile tool for various applications. Our nanoprobes are adaptable to suit your specific miDNA of interest, making them suitable for a wide range of applications and future iGEM projects. For a comprehensive understanding of how to construct these parts, we have provided detailed protocols on the Experiments page. We sincerely hope that our thorough documentation will assist future teams in utilizing these parts in a manner that best suits their needs and objectives. More information about the parts can be found here!
InterLab Studies
As part of the iGEM community, we actively participated in the InterLab studies initiative, aimed at collecting replicates of fluorescent data from labs around the world to address variations in fluorescence measurements caused by different units and machines. This initiative not only provides us with valuable experience but also contributes to the standardization of data collection, ultimately leading to the development of improved methods for quantifying fluorescence values. In our research, we conducted a calibration experiment using serial dilutions of calibrant dyes and particles to establish a standardized method for comparing experimental data globally. Additionally, we carried out Experiment 1, which involved measuring the fluorescence of six genetic devices and comparing those with double inserts to those with single inserts. This comprehensive approach, including the formation of competent cells, multiple transformations, and serial dilutions, is instrumental in achieving the goals and objectives of our iGEM project. The details of our experiments can be found in the notebook page!
Hardware Prototype
One of our team’s notable achievements was the creation of a lab-grade, yet highly affordable fluorimeter. This simple sensor circuit allows us to detect fluorescence from the quantifiers with high sensitivity. To ensure accessibility and ease of replication, we meticulously characterized the circuit, making it readily reproducible by other iGEM teams and researchers. Additionally, we have also included the Arduino code necessary for the operation of the device, along with a structured experimental protocol for calibration. The fluorimeter can also be expanded to accommodate the multiple common excitation wavelengths by adding more LEDs of different wavelengths. This allows the user to replicate this detection system for any fluorophore, as long as the standard calibration protocol is followed. By sharing these hardware resources, we hope to facilitate the work of future iGEM projects and scientific endeavors, fostering collaboration within the scientific community. Read more about our hardware here.
Microfluidic Chip Prototype
Our microfluidic chip prototype has been designed meticulously to serve as a model for similar diagnostic assays. We are pleased to share our design, which is provided here, as an open resource that can be referenced for forthcoming projects. Jointly with the handbook, we hope this design can facilitate and inspire research in this field. Details about our microfluidic chip can be found here.
Microfluidics Handbook
The field of microfluidics holds great promise for applications in synthetic biology, but mastering it can be challenging, especially for students. While a plethora of resources are available, there is a lack of clear guidance on when and how to use them. For this, we have developed a comprehensive and detailed handbook to ease your entry into the realm of microfluidics and to help you create your own microfluidic chips. This guide provides clear step-by-step instructions, ensuring that all the essential details are covered for chip fabrication. Navigating microfluidics can be daunting, and our handbook seeks to demystify this intricate field. By providing a clear roadmap and detailed instructions for chip development, we hope to encourage innovation and experimentation. We believe that future iGEM teams venturing into microfluidics will find this manual invaluable, as it offers a structured path to explore the potential of this exciting field.
Educational Resources
Our commitment to advancing knowledge extends to the development of educational resources that cover a diverse range of topics. These resources have been carefully curated and structured to ensure that they’re replicable, allowing future teams to recreate and build upon them effectively. One notable example is our DIY synbio kit, with simple biology experiments using everyday materials, designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice for students. These experiments align with their syllabus, making learning more engaging. Our primary goal is to provide an easily replicable model for hands-on education in biology. The resources can be found on the Education page.
Handbook for Fundraising Strategies
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of our project's success, particularly because of the substantial expenses associated with research and the requirements of an iGEM project. This is especially important for Indian teams, where securing financial resources can be particularly challenging. To shed light on the strategies we used to find funds and realize our project's goals, we have compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the fundraising methods we used. These strategies have been carefully curated and can serve as a valuable resource for future Indian teams, offering insights and approaches to effectively secure the necessary funding for their projects.
Equipment Database
Our equipment database serves as a valuable resource for researchers and teams looking for specialized scientific equipment in Kerala. We have gathered information about the availability of such equipment in colleges across the region, making it accessible for future teams from our institution, as well as for researchers throughout Kerala. This database is intended to streamline the research process and promote collaboration, ensuring that scientific research endeavors can harness the best resources available.
Inclusivity Database
Our inclusivity database is a comprehensive resource that compiles information about academic institutions across India that have Pride clubs or queer collectives. This resource is designed to empower individuals who seek safe and inclusive spaces within the academic environment. By providing details on where these support groups are located, we aim to give everyone the opportunity to choose an educational institution that aligns with their values and priorities. We believe that education should be accessible and affirming for all, and our database contributes to this vision.
Contribution to Institute
In our commitment to not only contribute to the iGEM community but also to our institution, we identified an important need. It came to our notice that some students on campus were not fully informed about the valuable services offered by our institute’s psychologist and psychiatrist. To address this, we gathered the necessary information and ensured that it was available on the institutional website so that every student had the knowledge of the support available to them. We also helped with the integration of ‘YourDost’, a mental health support platform, within our institute. These efforts were taken with the purpose of fostering a supportive environment on our campus.