The Open Day of the laboratory

In September, it was the time for new college students to register, and we seized the opportunity to introduce our project to the new students. Following a lecture on molecular cloning, we selected several students to participate in the laboratory's Open Day. During the event, we allowed them to conduct molecular cloning experiments using primers they designed themselves, thus paving the way for their entry into the world of "synthetic biology."

①New College Student Orientation: On September 7th, we applied to Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences for the opportunity to showcase our project during the "New College Student Orientation." We presented our ongoing project and introduced the "Laboratory Open Day" activity to the students.

②Molecular Cloning Science Lecture: On September 10th, we conducted a popular science and practical lecture on the principles of molecular cloning. Starting with plasmids, the fundamental tools of molecular cloning, we introduced the basic components of plasmids and the operating methods using Snapgene software. Through various examples, accompanied by instructional videos and experimental protocols, we demonstrated primer design techniques and the experimental process to the students. During the lecture, the students actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and demonstrated their understanding of genes and PCR technology based on their own knowledge(Figure 7).

③The Open Day of the laboratory.

• (1)Homework.At the end of the lecture, we assigned a small homework to the students, which involved designing primers after class. This not only allowed the students to assess their learning outcomes but also served as a warm-up exercise for the upcoming experimental procedures. The students responded enthusiastically and submitted their own solutions(Figure 8). Ultimately, 11 students participated in the subsequent point mutation experiments, while 8 students took part in homologous recombination experiments.





Figure 9.Molecular cloning homework and feedback
• (2)Laboratory experience.On September 16th, the students arrived at the laboratory and independently carried out a molecular cloning experiment using the primers they had designed(Figure 9). During the activity, we first explained the necessary safety precautions and basic experimental procedures to the students. With our guidance, the students eagerly explored the laboratory environment and familiarized themselves with the instruments. They actively participated, asked questions, and collaborated to successfully complete various experimental operations, including PCR, plasmid transformation, and plate streaking. They also learned to use instruments such as pipette, PCR machines, laminar flow hoods, and centrifuges.At the conclusion of the experiment, the students gained valuable knowledge and skills. Some students inquired about other related activities, while others shared their initial laboratory experiences on social media(Figure 10). Additionally, they displayed great interest in the experimental results, eagerly anticipating the successful cloning of the correct plasmid. Upon receiving the experimental results, many students actively engaged in group discussions, asking questions, exchanging thoughts on the results, and discussing precautionary measures with their teammates. Some students diligently wrote their experiment reports, and we provided constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.


Figure 10.Laboratory operation photos


Figure 11.Students shared photos on social media

In this activity, through comprehensive lectures and detailed laboratory instruction, students successfully gained their first hands-on experience in a biology laboratory. This experience served as a gateway for students to explore the field of synthetic biology and laid a solid foundation for their future studies and research endeavors.

Handbook of Microbial Mediated Tumor Therapy in Synthetic Biology

In order to facilitate the subsequent selection of tumor microbial therapy as a research direction of iGEM team to find the appropriate direction faster, We cooperated with BNUZH-Chin, Peking, JLU-NBBMS,Tsinghua and Guangxi-U-China, compiled the Handbook of Microbial Mediated Tumor Therapy in Synthetic Biology.

In the booklet Handbook of Microbial Mediated Tumor Therapy in Synthetic Biology,jointly written and published by six schools, our team contributed to several sections.Specifically, we completed a review on oncolytic viruses (P3-13), discussed ethical considerations regarding the use of viruses for tumor therapy (P46-49), and provided a summary of our human practice activities (P50-53).In the review section, we focused on the mechanisms underlying the tumor selectivity of oncolytic viruses, the current advancements in modifying oncolytic viruses, and their clinical applications. In the ethical considerations section, we explored the feasibility and advantages of utilizing oncolytic viruses for tumor therapy, offering unique insights from our team at PekingHSC. Finally, in the human practice section, we combined the guidance provided by iGEM with our own understanding and thoughts on human practice activities.

Cooperation is always the most convenient way to educate.This handbook is the brainchild of our six teams.