The team came together at the SynBio Africa offices to brainstorm and generate project ideas aimed at addressing the challenge of PAH detection in water. Collaboratively, we explored various concepts and proposals, with each team member actively contributing their thoughts. It was during this productive session that a standout idea emerged as the development of a biosensor specifically designed for the detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in water. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the SynBio Africa team, with special thanks to Mr. Otim and Perez, for their invaluable support and guidance during this pivotal brainstorming session.
Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation for our project, we decided to start by thoroughly reviewing the existing literature on PAHs. During this phase, each team member was assigned a specific section of the literature related to PAHs. Each member diligently studied their assigned section, extracting valuable information, data, and relevant research findings.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Authors: Ian & Michael
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Authors: Gloria & Shakirah
Chapter 3: Methodology
Authors: Peace, Arnold & Ian
The division of responsibilities ensured that each section receives dedicated attention and expertise from the team members responsible.
We diligently worked on refining the concept for the biosensor project.
1. Defining Project Objectives: We clearly outlined the primary objectives of the project, setting specific goals for what we aimed to achieve.
2. Creating an Initial Project Plan: With a clear understanding of our objectives and challenges, we began the process of crafting an initial project plan. Originally, our strategy was to have a biosensor for both water and soil detection, however due to limited funds for analysis of the samples, we chose to stick to water samples.
This plan outlined the various stages and steps required to bring our biosensor project to fruition. During this phase, we had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Julius, whose expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping us develop a rational and well-structured study design. Dr. Julius' insights played a crucial role in shaping the direction of our project and ensuring its scientific rigor and feasibility.
The team developed surveys to collect data related to PAH contamination in various water sources. Survey questions were designed to gather information on PAH prevalence, sources of contamination, and. This was headed by the Head of Research for our team, Shakirah Namuli.
Each team member contributed 5,000 Uganda shillings for transport. We used Arnold’s vehicle to transport us to and fro.
Our fundraising efforts were a vital part of our journey to participate in the iGEM competition and execute our research project effectively.
1. Assessment of Funding Needs: Before embarking on fundraising, we conducted a thorough assessment of our financial requirements. This included estimating the costs associated with project materials, laboratory equipment, travel expenses, and registration fees for the iGEM competition.
2. GoFundMe Campaign: One of our primary fundraising initiatives was the creation of a GoFundMe campaign. This online crowdfunding platform allowed us to reach a global audience and collect donations from individuals and organizations who believed in our project.
3. Awareness and Outreach: To promote our GoFundMe campaign, we leveraged various channels of communication. This included using social media platforms to spread the word about our fundraising efforts.
4. Engaging with Stakeholder: We actively engaged with stakeholders, including government agencies, and academic institutions, to seek financial support.
Through out May, we dedicated most of our time to fundraising. It was such a critical time and at some point we fell into despair. We were in need of funds to pay for the Jamboree registration. We also needed money to carry out the analysis of samples before we could sample from the surveyed.
We continued to fundraise through out most of June. As contributions began to come in, we finally started seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
That was the time when Prof. Gerald Kayingo from University of Maryland stepped in to pay for the start up fees for our GC-MS analysis. Our PI Dr. Julius Mulindwa also came into support by paying for part of the analysis as well.
Site Selection: Since we lacked enough funds for the analysis we selected only five sites from where we could sample out of the ten sites we surveyed.
Sample Labeling and Documentation: Each sample was carefully labeled with essential information, including the date and location. Detailed documentation was crucial for subsequent analysis and tracking.
Transport and Storage: After collection, the samples were transported to the Government Analytical laboratory. Maintaining proper storage conditions prevented the degradation of PAH compounds.
Thanks to everyone who supported us and believed in us, our fundraising efforts in order for us to register for the Jamboree started to pay off. The Go fund me account that had been empty for several months really started to pick momentum. The SynBio Africa community worked tirelessly especially Mr. Emmanuel Kato to see to it that we secure funds for the Jamboree.
Attending the SynBio Africa Conference was a transformative experience that opened doors to a world of knowledge, collaboration, and inspiration. During this conference, we had the privilege of interacting with a diverse array of stakeholders, scientists, and entrepreneurs who left an indelible mark on our project.
We met Prof. Voigt from MIT a pioneering figure in the field of synthetic biology, offering us valuable insights and guidance. John Cumbers, the driving force behind SynBio Beta, Michael Kopke, Andrew Hessel, and their entrepreneurial journeys illuminated the intersection of science and business, demonstrating the potential for our research to drive real-world impact.
Dr. Andrew Kiggundu's wealth of knowledge in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, and project management was a valuable resource that helped us navigate the complexities of our project. Dr. Benson Kinyagia's role as a Senior Science Secretary at The National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation in Nairobi, Kenya, offered us a glimpse into the regulatory landscape of biotechnology in Africa.
One of the most significant turning points in our fundraising journey was iduring this conference when LanzaTech, a company that believed in our project, generously sponsored our entire registration fee for the iGEM competition. Their support played a crucial role in making our participation possible.
One of the highlights of our conference participation was the opportunity to present a poster on our project. This presentation allowed us to showcase our research, receive valuable feedback, and foster connections within the scientific community. The SynBio Africa Conference not only enriched our scientific knowledge but also provided a platform for us to engage with experts, share our ideas, and lay the groundwork for collaborations that would shape the trajectory of our iGEM journey.
The conference was a pivotal moment in our project, where we gathered inspiration, insights, and connections that would propel us forward on our path to innovation and impact. It reinforced the importance of networking and collaboration in the world of science and underscored the limitless potential of our iGEM project in the context of global synthetic biology.
During the summer school, we delved into various aspects of start-up knowledge, including business development, intellectual property rights, and the practicalities of taking a synthetic biology project from the lab to the market. These sessions equipped us with essential skills for turning our research into a viable solution that could make a real impact in addressing the issue of PAH contamination.
Statistical Analysis: Data analysis also involved statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the dataset. This statistical analysis helped us draw meaningful conclusions about the distribution and behavior of PAHs in the sampled sites.
Identification of Relevant PAHs: Not all PAHs are of equal concern in terms of environmental impact. Some are more toxic or persistent than others. Mr. Erikan Baluku and Dr. Julius provided their expertise in identifying the PAHs that were most relevant to our project's goals. These were the compounds that posed the highest risks to the environment and public health.
Sorting and Prioritization: Once the relevant PAHs were identified, we sorted and prioritized them based on factors such as toxicity, concentration levels, and their potential to accumulate in the food chain. This step was crucial in determining which PAHs required closer examination and mitigation strategies.
Statistical Analysis: Data analysis also involved statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the dataset. This statistical analysis helped us draw meaningful conclusions about the distribution and behavior of PAHs in the sampled water bodies. Project Direction: The insights gained from data analysis guided our project's direction. It informed decisions about which PAHs to target for detection and mitigation strategies, ultimately shaping the development of our biosensor for PAH detection.
Our team collectively engaged in an extensive literature review focused on phenanthrene and pyrene-degrading organisms. This literature review was a collaborative effort, with each team member actively participating. It involved delving into existing scientific research and studies related to microorganisms capable of degrading phenanthrene and pyrene, which are key PAHs of concern in our project.
The objective of this literature review was to gain comprehensive insights into the characteristics, mechanisms, and potential applications of these degrading organisms. By pooling our research findings and knowledge, we aimed to identify promising candidates and essential genetic information that could be leveraged in the development of our biosensor project.
Ms. Tyra from IDT and Prince Samoh from Open Bioeconomy Lab played instrumental roles in equipping our team with essential skills for genetic construct design. They provided guidance on utilizing various software tools, notably SnapGene and Benchling, which are fundamental in the field of synthetic biology. Through their mentorship, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of effective genetic design. Their expertise and willingness to share knowledge greatly enhanced our capabilities and confidence in handling genetic constructs. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ms. Tyra and Prince Samoh for their dedicated support.
During the wiki development process, Bridget played a pivotal role by diligently uploading the initial content, setting the foundation for our project's online presence.
Following Bridget's contributions, Thomas and Stephen stepped in to incorporate visually appealing designs and enhance the overall user experience. Throughout this wiki development journey, Shakirah took on the crucial role of overseeing the entire process. Her leadership ensured that the content remained cohesive, well-structured, and aligned with our project's goals. Shakirah's dedication to quality control has been instrumental in creating a comprehensive and user-friendly platform.
Together with the Tsinghua-TFL team, we delved into the importance of SDGs in the context of our respective projects. We discussed how synthetic biology and biotechnology can contribute to addressing some of the pressing challenges outlined in the SDGs, particularly those related to environmental conservation, public health, and sustainable agriculture.
Our joint presentation highlighted the power of international collaboration and knowledge sharing within the iGEM community. We exchanged insights and ideas, learning from each other's experiences and perspectives.
In the webinar, experts and researchers shared their insights and findings on the presence, impact, and detection of microplastics in various ecosystems. We learned about the wide-ranging effects of microplastics on aquatic life, ecosystems, and human health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
Attending the Microplastics webinar aligned with our project's focus on environmental concerns, as microplastics and PAHs often coexist in contaminated water sources. This exposure allowed us to explore potential intersections between our research on PAH detection and the broader environmental context of microplastic pollution.
We took the initiative to host an online seminar titled "PAHs in the Environment." It aimed to bring together stakeholders, scientists, and experts to delve into the pressing issue of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. During this event, we featured a diverse panel of experts, including an academic, a food scientist, a GC-MS specialist, a public health specialist, and an aquaculture scientist, each bringing their unique perspectives on the impact of PAHs on the environment and public health.
The seminar covered various aspects related to PAHs, from their sources and distribution in the environment to their potential health implications and innovative detection methods, such as biosensors. We aimed to create a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and awareness-raising about the challenges and opportunities surrounding PAHs as well as the need for field adaptable systems for PAHs detection.
