Integrated Human Practices

Contribution

Prof. Preeti and Prof. Sundar are professors at IIT Delhi. Professor D. Sundar specialises in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics. Professor Preeti Srivastava specialises in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. We started our iGEM journey with a series of brainstorming sessions to decide upon our next project. The endless scope and applicability of synthetic biology real-world applications was mind-boggling at first, and we were riddled with the many directions that we could venture in. Our Professors at IIT Delhi were instrumental in helping us decide on the topic of this year’s project. The expertise of Prof. Preeti and Prof. Sundar helped us realize the many factors and considerations involved in choosing the right kind of problem.

ASSESS

Through our meetings with our PIs, we learned a lot about the resources present at IIT Delhi, and we were made aware of the variety of measurements that we could make. They suggested we narrow down the possible topics to 2-3 and then divide our team into 3 batches that could have discussions with the respective research groups working on each topic.

RESPOND:

After gaining insights from our PIs, we conducted many brainstorming sessions and discussions with different labs at IIT Delhi. We carried out a thorough survey, which helped us pinpoint our possible choices for 3 domains: Protein Nanowires for the production of electricity, Metabolic Engineering and Bioremediation through Biosurfactants.

EMPLOY:

The expertise and foresight of our PIs were instrumental in helping us choose the right topic for our team. Our topic was chosen considering factors like impact, relevance and effectiveness. The decided topic was Bioremediation using biosurfactants, and hence, after the decision, all the team members started researching and ideating this topic.

CONTEXTUALIZE

Dr Arif Nissar Zargar is a research scientist at River Stone Biotech Inc., in Denmark. Dr. Arif has an extensive expertise in the field of biosurfactants, hence we sought to interact with him to verify our choice of biosurfactant - biosurfactants and fine tune our application.

ASSESS:

A comprehensive analysis was undertaken on the biosurfactant, Lichenysin. Dr. Arif elucidated its potential applications and associated challenges, which encompassed the remediation of dye pollutants in the Yamuna River, metal chelation from aquatic ecosystems, and mitigation of oil spills. He also discussed the technical viability of producing this biosurfactant and its subsequent release into the environment, emphasizing the rationale behind selecting E. coli over Bacillus for production purposes. Additionally, he raised potential concerns surrounding the carbon source selection for the microbial cultures and the effective containment strategies for the biosurfactant. The dialogue also touched upon the growing scientific interest in biosurfactants, attributed to their inherent biodegradability and eco-friendly characteristics.

RESPOND:

In light of Dr. Arif's expertise, we identified the significance of transitioning organic metals to their inorganic counterparts to streamline their removal from aquatic systems. We also took cognizance of the challenges related to the application of biosurfactants, particularly its deployment into the river and associated containment measures. Furthermore, we ascertained the advantages of employing E. coli over Bacillus for biosurfactants production. Our discussions also ventured into potential methodologies to mitigate challenges, such as the utilisation of bioreactors for controlled environmental conditions.

EMPLOY:

The inquiries and recommendations by Dr. Arif led to a thorough reassessment of our project parameters. We were prompted to juxtapose the properties of biosurfactants with other prevalent surfactants and probe its prospective applications within the environmental domain. His insights underscored the broader ramifications of our project, accentuating the perpetual requisites for rigorous evaluation and iterative modifications to ensure the project's efficacy and relevance in real-world contexts.

Discussions with Prof. Preeti Srivastava and Prof. Durai Sundar directed our project towards focussing on designing a project related to Bioremediation. Talks with Dr. Arif, an expert in the field of Biosurfactants, helped us narrow our range to implementation of Biosurfactants for Bioremediation. We finally decided to work on Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Toxicity using the biosurfactant Lichenysin.

To verify that our project is necessary and contributes to the world, with the advice of Dr. Eid we wrote a survey for cancer patients and those recovering. The survey consists of 23 short questions, regarding the feelings accompanying hair loss, the self-image following CIA, the opinions on the products that exist today, and the need for a new product.

It should be noted that because the survey touches on a sensitive topic and population, we had difficulty conveying it to the target audience and reaching a statistically sufficient number of people, which represents the entire community. Therefore, the following survey will represent the data collected from seven cancer patients.

The majority of respondents testified that hair loss due to chemotherapy has a great impact on the disease's difficulty and its significantly affects their mental state. Additionally, more than half of the respondents believe that the solutions that exist today for hair loss after chemotherapy are ineffective and affirm that if there was a product that prevents hair loss due to chemotherapy, they would want to use it.

Gathering all this information we were able to reach the relevant understanding regarding the need for our project, the problem we are trying to solve, and the cooperation required of us with the intended population

          

CONTEXTUALIZE

Dr. Raj Kishore Singh is a distinguished environmental scientist from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). His extensive background in monitoring pollution in the Ganga River Basin was particularly relevant to the iGEM team's project focus on heavy metal contamination in the Yamuna River. The primary purpose of the team's interaction was to understand existing CPCB norms and standards related to wastewater treatment, especially concerning heavy metal removal.

ASSESS:

During the literature review, it was found that current norms by CPCB focus mainly on three metals: mercury, lead, and cadmium. Dr Singh confirmed that there are no strict norms specifically for heavy metals in broader wastewater treatment. We also discovered that the key players pollute the water using the loopholes in the norms. The interaction with Dr Singh provided insights into the significant sources of contamination, such as the metal surface finishing industry. He also pointed out the inadequacies of current sewage treatment methods like Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). Dr. Singh stressed the importance of physicochemical treatments for heavy metal removal, which CETPs often overlook. He recommended engaging with the Namami Gange movement for more insights. He highlighted the disparity where major treatment facilities are upstream, leaving most downstream industries with insufficient treatment measures.

RESPOND:

We took the discussion into consideration and ensured that our product helps industries satisfy all the CPCB norms and tackles the problems in the current sewage treatment methods. We read about the Namami Gange movement, as suggested by Dr. Singh. Their experience and expertise in dealing with Ganga River Basin pollution issues provided us with valuable lessons and perspectives that we can apply to our work on the Yamuna River.

EMPLOY:

The interaction with Dr Singh and CPCB provided us with a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework for heavy metal treatment in wastewater. He emphasised CPCB's stringent guidelines and the need for industries to comply with these norms for effective heavy metal treatment. We discovered many plants do not follow the norms, which motivated us to pursue the problem further.

          

CONTEXT

In our endeavour to address the critical issue of heavy metal pollution in the environment and its impact on human health, we conducted surveys to assess public awareness. These surveys were designed to efficiently collect and quantify data, aiming for a high response volume.

ASSESS

We conducted surveys, both at the local and international levels, to assess public awareness regarding water contamination from heavy metals and its impact on both our health and the ecosystem.The surveys that we conducted in India and Abu Dhabi aimed to determine the public awareness of heavy metal poisoning among people.

RESPONSE

The surveys were made for achieving multiple objectives. They helped us establish a baseline understanding of public awareness, enabling targeted awareness campaigns. 83 % of people were unaware of any governmental policy or action to combat heavy metal contamination. Only 27.7 % of people had their water supply checked for any heavy metal contamination or any dissolved solids 90.8% of people believed that there was heavy metal poisoning in their states. Many people seemed largely unaware of synthetic biology and its applications.

EMPLOY

The success of the project was significantly influenced by the surveys on heavy metal poisoning awareness that IGEM IITD conducted in Abu Dhabi and India. The surveys also offered empirical information for policy advocacy, which is crucial for promoting regulations. Last but not least, these surveys validate IGEM IITD's project, bringing it into line with local requirements and enhancing its credibility among stakeholders, making it a crucial step in their mission to chelate heavy metals from water bodies, particularly the Yamuna River.

We collaborated with Prof. Ashok Pandey, a Toxicology expert, to address the increasing cases of heavy metal poisoning in humans. Discussions with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed industry non-compliance with government directives along riverbanks. Recognizing the ineffectiveness of appealing to these industries, we took the initiative to reduce heavy metal concentrations ourselves. Furthermore, a survey we conducted highlighted the public's limited awareness of government norms related to the issue, underscoring our dedication to mitigating the problem.

CONTEXTUALIZE

In our interaction with Sunil, a long-standing fish seller at the Okhla fish market situated near the Yamuna River in Delhi, we gained firsthand insight into the plight of the local community. Sunil's deep-rooted connection to the river, owing to his family's long-standing fish trade, positioned him as a keen observer of the river's deteriorating health over the years. The once-thriving ecosystem of the Yamuna has been compromised, affecting both the aquatic life and the livelihood of those dependent on it.

ASSESS

From Sunil's narrative, it's evident that the decline in the water quality of the Yamuna has had direct repercussions on the fish's health. Deformities, discoloured scales, and a generally unwholesome appearance have raised alarms among consumers, leading to dwindling demand. The persistent toxic foam around the Okhla region is a glaring visual representation of the river's deplorable state. While Sunil is aware of the visible damage pollution has inflicted on his produce, there's a clear knowledge gap regarding the specifics of heavy metal pollution and its broader health implications. This lack of awareness could potentially put consumers at risk, given the severe health consequences of consuming contaminated fish.

RESPOND

The real-world stories from individuals like Sunil highlight the urgency to address the river's pollution. Engaging directly with the public, particularly those who have a direct stake in the river's health, is paramount. Collaborative efforts between communities, environmentalists, and policymakers can lead to holistic solutions. Moreover, raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of heavy metal pollution can drive community-led initiatives to restore the river. The on-ground reality shared by Sunil underscores the need for more robust monitoring and regulatory measures to safeguard the water quality of the Yamuna.

EMPLOY

Sunil's account serves as a testament to the severe impact of environmental degradation on local communities. As we advocate for a cleaner Yamuna, it's imperative to continually monitor the health of the river and the success of implemented interventions. Engaging with stakeholders like Sunil can provide real-time feedback on the effectiveness of the measures taken. Regular assessments, coupled with feedback from the community, will ensure that our efforts remain adaptable and effective in achieving the goal of a pollution-free Yamuna.

CONTEXTUALIZE

Stakeholder Background and Relevance: Janki Yadav, from Mathura and residing in Delhi, has extensive experience with the Yamuna River Her family's boating business, especially during bridge constructions, and her vast network across India, offers unique insights into the river's transformation. She also runs a local kirana store near the banks of Yamuna. Historical Perspective: The Yamuna River, once pristine and essential for drinking and cooking, has faced significant degradation due to pollution. The river's status as a tourist attraction, especially with the annual visit of Siberian birds, highlights its continued importance.

ASSESS:

Changes Over Time: Over the past five decades, the Yamuna's water quality has seen a severe decline, making it unsuitable for drinking and daily household use. Yet, temporary improvements, like the one witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, show potential for revival. Government Initiatives: Government interventions, like the allocation of around USD 60-65 million for cleaning the Yamuna, aimed at reducing waste dumping. However, events like the July 2023 flood demonstrate the vulnerability of such initiatives. Awareness Gap: Janki's unawareness of heavy metal pollution underscores a significant knowledge gap among the local population.

RESPOND

Engaging with the Public: Direct engagement with locals like Janki, who interact with the river daily, can provide invaluable insights and awareness about pollution issues. Their first-hand experiences can guide targeted interventions. Raising Awareness: Given the lack of knowledge about heavy metal pollution, there's an urgent need for awareness campaigns. This can empower locals to take initiative and demand action from authorities.

EMPLOY

Evaluating Past Efforts: While some initiatives have been taken to conserve the Yamuna, many challenges persist. The continuous appearance of white foam, especially near IIT, indicates ongoing pollution problems.

Our discussions with local residents, who rely on the river and its fish for their livelihood, brought to light their growing concerns. They've noticed an alarming increase in deformities and unattractive appearances of fish from the Yamuna River, which they use for daily needs without adequate purification, intensifying the impact of heavy metal poisoning. However, there's a significant lack of awareness among the locals regarding the role of heavy metals in this issue. To address this, our Education and Outreach and Human Practices teams are dedicated to raising awareness among citizens.

Contextualize

Pooja Singh is a Professor at Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in the Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences. She specialises in Biodegradation and Environmental Microbiology, and has experience characterising multiple biosurfactants for biodegradation. Right now, our project is all about using biosurfactants to clean up metals and oils in landfills and wastewater. We're trying to understand how to characterise our biosurfactants once they are produced.

Assess

Using biosurfactants can get expensive, but we're trying to cut costs by using organic waste materials. We're crunching numbers on stuff like how much we can produce, what it costs, and how big we can scale up.

Response

We got some great advice from Dr. Pooja Singh. She suggested playing with the Carbon Nitrogen ratio in our mix and even using AI tools for optimizing the media. She stressed the importance of testing how well these biosurfactants work in different situations and keeping our specific project needs in mind. If we're dealing with E. coli, she reminded us to double-check the water quality, maybe use solutions without live cells, and add a safety feature like a kill switch.

EMPLOY

Dr. Singh also gave us practical ways to measure how much biosurfactant we're making, like using a Tensiometer or doing drop collapse, FTIR, ICP-OES and oil displacement tests. Some of these tests have been done by us, which can be viewed in our results page. The goal is to make sure our biosurfactants are super effective, and we can tell that only by quantifying multiple properties of it.

CONTEXTUALISE: In our discussion with Professor Marcia Barbosa, an accomplished physicist and advocate for gender equality in science. We talked about the adaptability of bioremediation policies in Brazil and how our project connects with sustainability.

ASSES: Prof. Barbosa highlighted heavy metal poisoning, particularly affecting children in Santo Amaro, Brazil. She noted the government's openness to eco-friendly solutions and the challenge of smaller industries polluting water bodies, emphasising the need for regulations.

RESPONSE: Prof. Barbosa shared the hardships faced by forest dwellers in Brazil and highlighted policy rigidity due to energy-related issues. But she emphasised the government's readiness to act. We learnt multiple ways in which we could make our project more sustainable and economically feasible. Read more about this on our proposed implementation page.

EMPLOY: Our commitment to environmental preservation and inclusivity resonated with Prof. Barbosa. We align with sustainable development goals and aim to provide clean water access, manage resources, and invest in infrastructure.

Contextualize

The meet with Prof. Marcia made us understand the hardships small industries face in strictly following the government norms and directives.

Assess

Prof. Barbosa highlighted heavy metal poisoning, particularly affecting children in Santo Amaro, Brazil. She noted the government's openness to eco-friendly solutions and the challenge of smaller industries polluting water bodies, emphasising the need for regulations.

Response

Prof. Barbosa shared the hardships faced by forest dwellers in Brazil and highlighted policy rigidity due to energy-related issues. But she emphasised the government's readiness to act. We learnt multiple ways in which we could make our project more sustainable and economically feasible. Read more about this on our proposed implementation page.

EMPLOY

Our commitment to environmental preservation and inclusivity resonated with Prof. Barbosa. We align with sustainable development goals and aim to provide clean water access, manage resources, and invest in infrastructure.

Contextualize

In a rich conversation with Professor T.R. Sreekrishnan, a seasoned expert from IIT Delhi in wastewater treatment and waste management, delved into the potential applications of their projects in addressing heavy metal contamination within the oil industry. Notably, Professor Sreekrishnan boasts a patent for an innovative wastewater treatment process. He also holds an important position on the institute's Biosafety committee.

Assess

During our dialogue, Professor Sreekrishnan illuminated the indirect role of the oil industry in contributing to heavy metal contamination through oil spills and the release of metal-laden wastewater. This contamination triggers strict regulations and economic risks, making it a promising arena for exploring GMO technology to coagulate heavy metals.

Response

Professor Sreekrishnan put forward the notion that implementing GMO technology in the oil industry could usher in long-term sustainability by coagulating heavy metals, enhancing environmental sustenance, and mitigating contamination risks. The scalability of this approach, coupled with the industry's stringent environmental regulations, positions it as a favourable avenue. The potential for collaborative initiatives to tackle environmental challenges also looms large.

EMPLOY

Before the implementation of GMO technology, the professor underscored the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Guided by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, these measures are pivotal in minimising potential risks, ensuring alignment with environmental and safety standards, and maintaining the well-being of the environment and human health.

Contextualize

Prof. M. N. V. Prasad is an Emeritus Professor at University of Hyderabad. He still works in the field of Bioremediation and implementation of Circular Bioeconomy in Bioremediation.Our interaction was centred around understanding the bio-economic aspects of any bioremediation undertaking and how they fare as far as the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are concerned. These points were discussed in the backdrop of our project on Heavy Metal Bioremediation using biosurfactants produced by genetically engineered E.coli.

Assess

Through this interaction with Prof. MNV, we got to discuss and learn about the definition of Bioeconomy and SDGs and how we could integrate these into our project. He emphasised the advantages that biosurfactants have over non-biodegradable surfactants and how their preferential use would be completely in line with the SDGs. We discussed the many aspects of the production of biosurfactants and the challenges to their actual commercial use. Through this, we also came to know of many challenges that are encountered in actually realising an idea in the real world, such as government approvals, testing, safety controls, funding, etc.

Response

Based on Prof. Prasad’s insights, we were reminded of the advantages that biosurfactants enjoy when compared to surfactants in bioremedial applications and how this is a growing field of research that holds a lot of promise in fulfilling SDGs and replacing present-day techniques using inorganic surfactants. We also acknowledged the many challenges we can expect in the testing of water bodies.

EMPLOY

After this discussion, we understood the importance of aligning our project with the SDGs and made changes accordingly. We also kept in mind the various caveats presented to us in our interaction and tried to make safeguards wherever possible.

Contextualize

In a rich conversation with Professor T.R. Sreekrishnan, a seasoned expert from IIT Delhi in wastewater treatment and waste management, delved into the potential applications of their projects in addressing heavy metal contamination within the oil industry. Notably, Professor Sreekrishnan boasts a patent for an innovative wastewater treatment process. He also holds an important position on the institute's Biosafety committee.

Assess

During our dialogue, Professor Sreekrishnan illuminated the indirect role of the oil industry in contributing to heavy metal contamination through oil spills and the release of metal-laden wastewater. This contamination triggers strict regulations and economic risks, making it a promising arena for exploring GMO technology to coagulate heavy metals.

Response

Professor Sreekrishnan put forward the notion that implementing GMO technology in the oil industry could usher in long-term sustainability by coagulating heavy metals, enhancing environmental sustenance, and mitigating contamination risks. The scalability of this approach, coupled with the industry's stringent environmental regulations, positions it as a favourable avenue. The potential for collaborative initiatives to tackle environmental challenges also looms large.

EMPLOY

Before the implementation of GMO technology, the professor underscored the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Guided by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, these measures are pivotal in minimising potential risks, ensuring alignment with environmental and safety standards, and maintaining the well-being of the environment and human health.

Contextualize

Dr Vidya Prabhakar is an Assistant Professor at Vikrama Simhapuri University, specialising in Biosurfactants and Bioremediation for oil pollution—an area of growing concern due to its severe environmental impact.

Assess

Using biosurfactants for oil spill treatment faces challenges such as stability in varying conditions, production costs, and scalability. Making them economically viable requires selecting suitable biosurfactants, effective application methods, and meeting regulatory standards. The consideration of GMOs introduces precision but raises concerns about ecological impact and compliance.

Response

Biosurfactants, being derived from biological sources, offer environmentally friendly solutions to oil spills. They can integrate with the ecosystem and have the potential to degrade over time, reducing long-term environmental impact. GMOs can be designed to target specific pollutants with high precision, offering a more efficient remediation process. Their adaptability to environmental conditions can also be an advantage over traditional methods.

EMPLOY

Continuously assessing biosurfactants and GMOs is vital, including performance, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance. Dr Prabhakar's insights highlight biosurfactants' potential and GMOs' role in pollution control, stressing efficiency and addressing ecological and regulatory concerns. In conclusion, our interaction enriched our understanding, emphasising eco-friendly solutions for environmental issues and GMOs' potential in pollution control.

Contextualize

Dr. Veena Kumara Adi from the Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, brings expertise in the field of Biosurfactants and Bioremediation technology. The bioremediation project primarily targets the development of a bi-directional receptor for surfactants and the production of specific biosurfactants. The central aim is to produce biosurfactants suitable for heavy metal and crude oil remediation. Cloning large-sized genes into E. Coli and the production of biosurfactants in nutrient-rich media are challenges the team has encountered.

Assess

The team is in the cloning phase, with post-cloning steps involving growth monitoring and surfactant production quantification. Dr. Veena shed light on the Wild Preliminary Test, the role of xenobiotics, the significance of transferring cultures, and the application of bidirectional promoters. Using Biosurfactants for treating oil spills on land, is also something the team wanted to assess, as we had learnt from the previous stakeholder about the economic feasibility of using biosurfactants for oil spills.

Response

Dr. Veena emphasised the importance of bidirectional promoters for tunable biosurfactant production. For crude oil degradation, the roles of alasan (in sensing crude oil) and rhamnolipids (in secreting degrading protein) were highlighted. The potential to adjust their ratios based on project needs was also discussed. The team plans to use the Wild Preliminary Test for initial qualitative biosurfactant analysis and explore the applications of bidirectional promoters in relation to oil concentrations.

EMPLOY

The interaction with Dr. Veena provided clarity on various tests and methodologies related to biosurfactant production and application. It also opened avenues for the team to explore, such as adjusting alasan and rhamnolipid ratios and refining their approach to crude oil degradation. It's evident that the team acknowledges the need for ongoing evaluation, especially regarding optimising biosurfactant production for crude oil degradation.

CONTEXTUALISE:

We had our interaction with Prof. Mukherjee to discuss the nuances in the production of biosurfactant. He is an expert in Bioprocess scale-up and optimisation.

ASSES:

Currently, the team requires insights on the challenges faced in the production stage of our biosurfactants of choice - Alasan and Rhamnolipid. In our interaction, we discussed the importance of making our project ready for scale-up and to consider using a fed-batch reactor, switching from a batch reaction. He stressed on the importance of proper agitation, aeration, and control of environmental conditions. Lastly, he told us to monitor and control the feeding of nutrients and IPTG carefully to maintain optimal growth and biosurfactant production rates.

RESPOND:

Prof. KJM empahasised that recombinant proteins are often not secreted. Considering this caveat, we planned to carry out a literature survey on the production of recombinant biosurfactants by E. coil. He also told us to look into the stability of the resulting plasmid.

EMPLOY:

Working on the suggestions of Prof. Mukerjee, we tried to develop an alternate mechanism for the production of a biosurfactant which would not be secreted by the cell, in case we did not get confirmation that biosurfactants would be secreted. This method involved a batch reactor to grow cells and another reactor to induce biosurfactant production from which cells would have to be filtered out and lysed.

CONTEXTUALIZE:

Dr. Ahammad, a Bioprocess Expert, has more than 10 years of experience in the field of environmental technologies and worked closely with many international companies and governing bodies. He is also currently an invited member of the International Water Association.

ASSES:

During our talk, in the context of planning the production of biosurfactants using E. coli DH5α with a tunable bidirectional promoter, Prof. Zia, emphasised the significance of beginning the process of growing GMO cells with a batch culture, a traditional approach in microbial production, for planning production of biosurfactants using E. coli DH5α with a tunable bidirectional promoter. He highlighted the strategic use of IPTG for biosurfactant induction given its capacity to imitate allolactose and activate the lac operon, ensuring a regulated initiation of biosurfactant production. He also emphasised the significance of using nutrient-rich media to promote optimal cell development. Prof. Zia provided additional context for the procedure by highlighting the importance of switching to an exponential fed-batch mode before the culture enters the stationary phase, which is a crucial step in achieving High Cell Density Culture (HCDC) and greatly improving the efficiency of biosurfactant production. When requested to elaborate during the discussion's assessment phase on the significance of switching from a batch culture to an exponential fed-batch mode, Prof. Zia did so. He described this change as a tactical move, highlighting its effectiveness in creating a High Cell Density Culture (HCDC), which is essential for significantly increasing biosurfactant output. He emphasised further that the majority of the biosurfactants might be preserved in the medium by decreasing the nutrient-rich media during this transition, enriching the end result. Additionally, he presented the idea of using Dead-end filtration as a successful technique for cell separation, an analysis that was in line with optimising the bioprocess for better results.

RESPOND

Prof. Zia emphasised that the strategy provides a concentrated amount of cells that can be employed as an inoculum to kick off the subsequent phase of production. By applying this strategy we found out no additional purification is required for the media enriched with biosurfactants that result from this stage. This strategy is economical and has the potential to significantly lower overall production costs, aligning with the principles of responsible and sustainable production.

EMPLOY

Based on the information provided by Prof. Zia during the interview, it is essential to regularly monitor and evaluate the project's development during the evaluation phase. The success of the switch from batch culture to exponential fed-batch mode, its effects on the generation of biosurfactants, and the method's cost-effectiveness will all be monitored as part of this ongoing review.

CONTEXTUALIZE:

Stakeholder Background and Relevance: C. Sivapathasekaran, a staff scientist at Cytiva, possesses expertise in Bioprocess optimisation and Upstream and downstream processing. His insights are vital concerning bioreactor scaling, bioprocess optimisation, and industries employing biosurfactants. Biosurfactants are important. Biosurfactants are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals and the cleanup of oil spills. For many industries, their production and optimisation are essential.

ASSES:

Bioprocess Optimisation: The O factor (oil-solubility or oil-affinity factor) can be used to adjust variables for the generation of biosurfactants, such as pH. It is simpler to determine the impact when most factors remain constant and only one (like pH) is changed. Artificial intelligence can make the procedure even more efficient by reducing the number of test instances. Challenges in Scaling Up: Foam generation in bioreactors is a key problem that needs to be effectively managed when scaling up. The foundation for scaling is lab-scale data, but there are regulatory obstacles, particularly for medicinal applications.

RESPOND

Bidirectional promoters in Scaling Up: In biotechnology, bidirectional promoters are useful tools that help with the manufacturing of particular therapies. For instance, a firm at IIT Madras uses bidirectional promoters to genetically edit bacteria to produce insulin. These promoters provide a means of increasing the effectiveness of biotechnological procedures. Finding Useful Biosurfactants: Making sure a sample only creates the desired biosurfactant and not any additional variants owing to mutations is essential. To distinguish the biosurfactant from other compounds, use a control medium. Disposal and adherence to regulations: It is crucial to dispose of things properly even without a kill switch. Samples can be disposed of safely using acidic solutions and then burning. Documenting the length of sample storage before disposal is also crucial.

EMPLOY

Applications for biosurfactants include the cleaning up of marine spills, cream-type cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, where they play a part in the treatment of cancer and as antimicrobials. Their versatile nature makes them invaluable in diverse sectors.

CONTEXTUALIZE:

The document discusses the context of adding a newly discovered biological treatment step to an existing wastewater treatment plant. It highlights the importance of assessing potential environmental impacts and regulatory requirements to address the concerns of both regulatory bodies and the public.

ASSES:

Conducting thorough impact assessments to identify both positive and negative consequences. The document discusses the need for an environmental impact assessment to evaluate the effects of adding a biological treatment step. It acknowledges the importance of engaging with regulatory authorities and potentially the public to ensure that all concerns and perspectives are considered. The document underlines the need to meet regulatory and environmental standards and ethical considerations.

RESPOND

The document suggests that feedback from regulatory authorities and stakeholders should be considered when developing the action plan. It highlights the importance of adhering to ethical and sustainability principles during the implementation of the new treatment step.

EMPLOY

It emphasises the need to monitor compliance with regulatory standards and environmental goals throughout the project. Making necessary adjustments or refinements as new information or challenges emerge. The document acknowledges that adjustments may be needed based on new data or evolving challenges.

Click here to see our survey questions

Contribution

They explained that there are currently two main methods for extracting from plants: steaming and pressing. The methods vary from plant to plant and depend on the percentage of oil. From the discussion, it emerged that the extraction process is accompanied by depreciation, which harms the environment, and its disposal is accompanied by associated costs, which are added to the costs of the raw materials, and the ongoing growing costs of the plant. Hence, the existing extraction processes in the market are polluting, and expensive and don't necessarily address the problem of low efficiency that exists in plants such as Angelica gigas.

In addition, in extraction processes and in particular, in refining processes, it is difficult to maintain the medicinal properties of the extract. This makes, plant extracts not always suitable for such products. Another issue that came up in the conversation is the issue of standardization and how it is carried out in practice. In the conversation with Rachamim, we realized that standards are completely different between the food sector, cosmetics, and medicine.

Implementation

The coversationwith Shamna helped us understand the regulatory mechanisms that exist in the western world, and what we'll be required to do in the field of standardization for the synthetic decursin we will produce.

Yaki raised an important question - why are you trying to mimic nature? What's the point of trying to do something that nature already does?

From his questions, we understood how the project was perceived by the industry and stakeholders. Yaki, as an industrialist, was concerned about production costs. In his opinion, even a production that "imitates" nature will require additional costs in energy, raw materials, and people. For him, this is an economic and not a technological question. Following Yaki's concern as an optional stakeholder, we concluded that a feasibility model was required, which would be an essential component of the work plan and would justify the viability of the project. Read about it in the Proposed Implementation page.

Our meeting with Yaki Harel and Rahamim Eliyahu

CONTEXT:

Dr. V.V. Pillay is the chief of the Poison Control Centre and head of Analytical Toxicology AIMS, Kerala. In the meeting with him, we aimed to address heavy metal poisoning caused by contaminants like lead, cadmium and chromium in humans. We wanted to understand the frequency of heavy metal poisoning, the severity in humans, and the existing treatments for heavy metal poisoning.

ASSES:

To treat patients suffering from heavy metal poisoning, the first step is the analysis of body fluids, like urine or blood samples, to determine the concentration of heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and zinc. Chelation therapy is administered using metal-specific chelating agents like DMSA for arsenic, Edetate calcium disodium for lead, and EDTA for copper.

RESPOND:

Early detection of heavy metal poisoning is important to prevent severe health consequences. Heavy metal-caused diseases are not common but can be lethal if left untreated, depending upon the type of metal exposure. People in different regions have different levels of awareness and concern about heavy metal toxicity-related disorders. This year, our project on using biosurfactants for heavy metal removal in water bodies is seen as significant and has the potential to benefit the entire country, particularly in regions with prevalent arsenic and cadmium contamination.

EVALUATION:

From this chat with the doctor, we came to know how serious of a problem heavy metal poisoning is, and we also got the viewpoint of a medical practitioner with prior knowledge of treating the problem. This was critical in motivating our team to work on the idea and bring it to real-life application.

CONTEXTUALISE:

Ms Silpa Rahul presented with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting, signalling a health challenge that needed addressing. We discovered that Ms Rahul's family, particularly her children, were also affected by the same water source. Her concern for her community's health needs highlighted the wider impact of this issue. Here, we can see that she might have been affected by heavy metal toxicity.

ASSES:

In this phase, you critically evaluate your innovation's potential impacts and risks. This involves assessing the negative consequences of heavy metal poisoning in Ms Rahul's case, such as abdominal pain and vomiting, which adversely affected her well-being. Our conversation with Ms. Rahul provided critical insights into the human impact of heavy metal contamination and the need for a broader community perspective. We acknowledged the ethical implications of Ms Rahul's condition and the need to adhere to health and environmental standards.

RESPOND:

We recognised the importance of Ms Rahul's input in shaping her treatment plan and her desire to raise awareness in her community. Ms Rahul's case highlighted the need for ethical and sustainable approaches to address heavy metal contamination and health challenges. This helped us further understand the scope of our project and its needs.

EMPLOY:

We will continuously monitor Ms Rahul's progress in her treatment and the broader impact of our response to heavy metal contamination. As we learn more about Ms Rahul's condition and the community's needs, we will adapt our approach to ensure it remains effective.

Contribution

We approached Dr. Yehezkeli to assist us with finding an assay to measure produced decursin. We were offered to use NMR which will be faster than HPLC. We were also given input about how should we extract our product from the bacterial culture.

Implementation

Eventually, after discussing the matter with several people from the Yehezeli lab, we decided not to use NMR mainly because using it require larger concentrations than we anticipate, it's noisier in comparison to HPLC and we were able to have a working HPLC program that produces distinct peaks.

CONTEXTUALISE:

Background:- Dr. Parimal Kar is a Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore. His work mainly focuses on multiscale simulation and understanding the structure and dynamics of biological systems. Project’s focus:- To show rhamnolipids are capable of forming micelles around metal ions and hydrocarbons

ASSES:

For the current situation, the team has been struggling with finding the 3D structure of biosurfactants and, even when found, had struggled in using the default forcefield parameters on GROMACS. These issues were addressed in our meeting with Dr Parimal at the All India iGEM Meet (AIIM).

RESPOND:

He suggested using the Avogadro software to be used for the conversion of any 2D .sdf structure from PubChem to 3D using the inbuilt “Auto Optimise” tool. Though not 100 % correct, it produces a good enough approximation. The available force fields on GROMACS aren’t always sufficient for a molecule. So, a new force field needed to be generated specific to the molecule. For this, he suggested using the CHARMM Generate Force Field (CGenFF) server. He also referred us to some of the research papers which had well-documented sections for their simulation setup. Using ANTECHAMBER from AMBER for the setup of the simulation was suggested as a backup if the above process didn’t work.

EMPLOY:

Dr. Parimal’s suggestions prompted us to look beyond what we were planning on achieving. It helped us gain more insight into better inculcation of Simulation studies into our project. Many of our issues were resolved with the help of his suggestions, and we also modified some of our system-building processes by taking insights from his feedback.

Contribution

We approached Dr. Yehezkeli to assist us with finding an assay to measure produced decursin. We were offered to use NMR which will be faster than HPLC. We were also given input about how should we extract our product from the bacterial culture.

Implementation

Eventually, after discussing the matter with several people from the Yehezeli lab, we decided not to use NMR mainly because using it require larger concentrations than we anticipate, it's noisier in comparison to HPLC and we were able to have a working HPLC program that produces distinct peaks.