In this captivating session, we discussed Captura, an ocean-based CO2 removal startup founded in 2021, and their innovative technology developed in Caltech's laboratories. Their goal is to minimize the input and output materials during CO 2 capture using a patented electrodialysis process. This process generates pure CO2 from ocean water, which can be sequestered or used for low-carbon products. Captura's unique electrodialysis unit involves acid and base generation, liberating CO2 and restoring pH before discharging the treated water back into the ocean to absorb atmospheric CO2, following Henry's law. Captura’s business developer, Maya Kashapov, guided us in understanding the technical aspects and principles of Captura's system, including the efficient use of the bipolar membrane. Their partnership with AltaSea provides 90% pure CO2 with high efficiency. For now, their storage plan involves pumping CO2 into the deep ocean. By learning from their successful approach and engaging with experts, we aimed to develop our own cost-effective and sustainable CO2 removal project.
Integration
Our business model was significantly shaped by Captura's framework. We drew upon their successful strategies and engaged with industry experts to create an economically efficient and environmentally sustainable system. We took
into account the potential for the large-scale implementation of our project inspired by Captura.
During the integrated human practice session, we had the opportunity to interact with Dr. B. Anandan who provided valuable inputs to address the challenges in our system development. One of the key decisions was to optimize pathways for direct isobutanol
production after G3P formation to reduce the total base pair count and work with a single plasmid. Additionally, the yeast two-hybrid system was considered as a potential option to achieve this goal, and Dr. Anandan offered to conduct a study
and assist in exploring this area further. Regarding the dual plasmid system, we discussed screening procedures to confirm the transcription of both desired plasmids in E . coli. The expert suggested a two-step transformation process, where
each plasmid is transformed separately, and selectivity tests are performed for each transformation. This approach simplifies the transformation in bacteria and ensures the proper function of the dual plasmid system. He reassured us that cloning
genes of 1000 bp is manageable and advised against reducing base pair size, as it might affect the protein's functionality unnecessarily. He suggested that co-transformation, not transfection, is the appropriate method for introducing the dual
plasmids into E . coli K12. He further recommended using electroporation for simultaneous co-transformation of both plasmids.
When it came to extracting and quantifying intracellular enzymes, we explored alternative methods aside from
GFP and Histidine tagging. GFP tagging involves genetically fusing the GFP gene to the gene of interest, enabling visualization and tracking of the protein's expression. On the other hand, Histidine tagging, where a short sequence of histidine
residues is added to the protein, allows for selective isolation and quantification through specific metal ion-affinity chromatography. The expert clarified the differences between these methods and highlighted that while GFP tagging is used for
visualization purposes, Histidine tagging is specifically employed for protein isolation and quantification. The insights provided by Dr. Anandan experts allowed us to make informed decisions and optimize our system development process.
Integration :
During the session with Dr. Prof. David Koweek, his expertise provided valuable insights that influenced our project development. He made two important points in relation to our research. Firstly, he suggested measuring the changes in dissolved inorganic carbon in water rather than attempting to measure the CO2 trapped in air bubbles. This adjustment could simplify the measurement process and yield more accurate results. Secondly, he brought up recent research that proposes integrating carbonic anhydrase with bubble stripping as an effective method for capturing CO2 from water. This suggestion opens up new possibilities for optimizing our CO2 capture techniques. By interacting with Dr. Koweek and considering his inputs, we have gained valuable knowledge and potential solutions to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our CO2 capture project.
Integration : In the project's early stages, we initially introduced a method involving the breakdown of CO2 in seawater through hydrolytic softening. However, following feedback, we recognized the greater significance of capturing emissions, which led us to focus on utilizing the bubbling method.
In this session with the Chief Officer of the cargo vessel TCI Lakshmi, at Chennai port, we gained valuable insights to enhance our project. The Chief Officer explained that ships use Low Sulphur Heavy Oil (LSHO) to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions
and its cost-effectiveness compared to other fuels. We learned about the extent of pollution caused by ships using LSHO and the factors influencing it, such as engine technology and emission compliance. Waste management onboard involves incinerating
waste in large vessels and direct disposal in smaller vessels by the Shore Disposal Authority.
For measurement of water weight, a technique called Sounding is used, that measures the depth of the water collected in the tanks onboard. The
expert highlighted protocols to prevent cross-contamination while using seawater and the importance of adhering to strict regulations. We also understood the significance of storing water onboard as ballast water to stabilize the ship at sea.
Water for consumption is collected from the port, while a freshwater generator is used to convert seawater into freshwater during the journey. The knowledge shared by the Chief Officer greatly enriched our project, addressing sustainability, pollution
reduction, waste handling, and water management in the maritime industry.
Integration :
His feedback and requirements were instrumental in shaping our approach to developing a system that is adaptable to the maritime industries.
Our visit to the Pollution Control Board situated in Guindy proved to be an enlightening experience, greatly enhancing our understanding of real-time emissions stemming from the maritime industry. During our visit, the board officials elaborated on their innovative system, which supplies electricity to ships as they enter the vicinity of the harbor territory. This system effectively reduces pollution on a large scale. They also discussed their robust management system for handling particulate matter generated from coal burning and unloading operations on ships, highlighting their continuous monitoring of pollutants such as Nitrous Oxide, Sulphur, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, they emphasized their comprehensive engine testing protocol, which meticulously analyzes total emissions.
Integration :
One crucial statement made during our interaction with them significantly influenced our project development. The Pollution Control Board underscored the often unnoticed yet alarming issue of CO2 pollution
caused by emissions from the maritime industry. This concern catalyzed our team's commitment to addressing the critical problem of air pollution, specifically focusing on CO2 emissions. Their insights and guidance have since played
a pivotal role in shaping the direction and purpose of our project, inspiring us to work diligently towards mitigating this pressing environmental issue.
Mr. Sathya Narayanan gave his expert inputs which were instrumental in shaping our project. He raised critical concerns and considerations regarding the introduction of a new pathway into the host organism. He initially emphasized the importance of understanding
cellular metabolism and co-factor balance to avoid any disruptions caused by the new pathway, and also highlighted the need to analyze by-products arising from the pathway that might affect cell growth. Mr. Narayanan pointed out the potential
stress on the host due to the production of antibiotics and the importance of ensuring host resistance to the antibiotics produced. His insights on using a dual plasmid system and promoter and RBS selection were crucial in optimizing gene expression.
Further, he emphasized the thumb rule of selecting appropriate plasmids for dual plasmid systems, considering different antibiotic resistance and origins of replication.
He also stressed the criticality of promoter and RBS selection
to ensure efficient gene expression. Overall, Mr. Sathya Narayanan's insights significantly influenced our project's direction, guiding us to address key challenges and optimize the design of the system. His expertise and feedback played a pivotal
role in ensuring the success and effectiveness of our project.
Integration :
We implemented Dr. Sathya Narayanan’s input, which involved:
1. Selecting appropriate plasmids for our dual plasmid system, taking into account various antibiotic resistances and origins of replication.
2. Emphasizing
the importance of promoter and RBS selection to ensure efficient gene expression.
During his visit to our college as a guest lecturer, Dr. Arun Samidurai, who is currently affiliated with the Division of Cardiology at Virginia Commonwealth University, generously shared his expertise with our project team. Drawing from his extensive experience working with the dual plasmid system in E. coli, he provided us with valuable insights regarding potential outcomes and challenges we might encounter while attempting to engineer dual plasmids. Based on his guidance, Dr. Samidurai recommended that we consider working with the native organism instead, as this approach could potentially simplify the engineering process and lead to more favorable outcomes.
Integration : Utilizing his experience in genetics, he suggested that we explore native organisms as potential candidates for genetic engineering.
In the session with Dr. S Rama Reddy, his insights profoundly influenced the development of our project. The team members presented their respective facets of the project, capturing the complexity and significance of each aspect. Dr. Reddy then provided
valuable recommendations: Firstly, he proposed using LVDC lamps over LEDs due to their operational efficiency at low currents, aligning with our project's need for efficient fuel testing. He also emphasized the importance of selecting a processor
that can withstand the extreme temperature and pressure conditions of the reactor. Secondly, he advised the inclusion of an additional factor K to assess the stability and responsiveness of the temperature sensors, adding a valuable layer of analysis
to our project.
Furthermore, his suggestion to reduce the step down frequency reflected his understanding of the technical intricacies, optimizing the hardware's performance. Lastly, Dr. Reddy stressed the importance of conducting
thorough cost analyses for all components, urging us to provide exact prices without rounding off to ensure accurate budgeting. By interacting with Dr. S Rama Reddy, we gained expert insights that influenced our hardware choices, technical approach,
and financial planning. His expertise ensured that our project is not only technically robust but also strategically well-informed, contributing significantly to its success and effectiveness.
Integration: Incorporating his insights, we developed the novel "Gyroscopic Gimbal-Based Orientational Stabilization System for Marine Bioreactors."
The points provided by Mr. Harishchander in this session played a crucial role in advancing our project on Molecular Interaction Studies. His expertise in protein-protein interactions, molecular dynamics simulations, and cell designer mechanisms opened
up new possibilities for our research. We adopted the Clustro and Hpep Talk methodologies to identify molecular stability and dynamics in protein-protein interactions, gaining valuable insights into conformational changes and binding dynamics.
We learnt that the implementation of molecular dynamics simulations in a vacuum environment allows us to explore protein folding processes and structural stability. The expert also explained that the utilization of Cell Designer can help to delve
into the intricate mechanisms between two different cells.
We further learnt about the power of Cyto Scale to conduct network analysis, visualizing and comprehending complex biological systems. We discovered that the GPU installation of Gromacs
proved indispensable for short time scale data collection, enabling faster simulations and meaningful results despite limited computational resources. Mr. Harishchander's inputs enriched our project, empowering us to explore molecular interactions
and cellular mechanisms with cutting-edge techniques and software.His inputs on protein docking were helpful in modeling.
Integration :
We put Harishchander Anandaram’s inputs into action by: 1. Employing second-order ordinary differential equations to mathematically model our enzyme kinetic system. 2. Implementing his suggestions for the computational
modeling of our protein structure.
Dr. Natarajan Ganesan is a recognized expert and innovator in the field of precision oncology and clinical genomics. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Genetics from the University of Madras and an MBA from Georgetown University. He emphasized the importance
of sustainable solutions like ours and asked us to focus on collecting statistical data and highlight the special features of our integrated system compared to other other system.He encouraged us to present our concepts in a well-structured manner.He
told us to understand the biogeochemical cycle inorder to have a deep knowledge of the biosystems.
As we reached the midpoint of our project, we encountered challenges related to the functionality of the RuBisCO enzyme. In response to this
issue, Mr.Natarajan Ganesan provided us with valuable guidance, gave us inputs about the folding of proteins which play a crucial role in protein construction and subunit assembly. This insightful advice ultimately propelled us towards a significant
breakthrough.
Integration :
Following advice from Dr. Natarajan Ganesan, we conducted research on the proteins responsible for the proper folding of enzymes. This research ultimately led us to engineer the chaperone subunit responsible for protein
assembly. This groundbreaking input played a pivotal role in our successful engineering and functional expression of the RuBisCo component.
The points shared by Mr. Karthigeyan during our interaction with him significantly influenced the development of our project. His insights on sensors were particularly valuable, emphasizing the importance of sterile sensors and their benefits. He
provided information on available CO2 sensors, their costs, and the significance of selecting sensors based on parts per million (ppm) to optimize pricing. His recommendations on utilizing linear and nonlinear forms of sensors and techniques
for pH sensing error reduction were instrumental in our sensor selection process. Additionally, Mr. Karthigeyan's inputs on supplying feed to the reactor, including the use of solenoid valves, peristaltic pumps, and gas mixing units, helped us
design an efficient feeding system while preventing content reversal in the bioreactor.
His suggestion to measure the amount of CO2 supplied using a flowmeter and program a totalizer added precision to our system. His insights
into materials used for bioreactors, such as borosilicate, and the explanation of spin filters for cell culture, guided our choices for reactor construction and cell separation methods.Regarding the lighting system, Mr. Karthigeyan's advice on
using fluorescent tube lights for higher lux levels contributed to optimizing the lighting conditions in our setup.
Integration : Overall, Mr. Karthigeyan's inputs enriched our project by improving sensor selection, feeding systems, bioreactor materials, and lighting conditions, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our experimental setup.
Scigenics (India) Pvt.Co., Ltd. was established as an innovative business company, marking its pioneering role in the production of domestic customized fermenters.During our visit to their production facility in Perungudi, we gained invaluable insights
into the fermenter manufacturing process, from laboratory scale to pilot-scale models.Their manufacturing facility provides an excellent learning environment, especially in the area of bioreactor design, including important considerations such
as sterilization, controlled environments and CO2 management .
This visit enriched our knowledge in designing our own bioreactor and optimizing various conditions including pH, temperature and gas flow OF CO2 through the sparger.We also benefit from the manufacturer 's expertise in building
gas recovery systems.They recommend using a compressor to feed gas into the reactor and using a coiled ice bath for laboratory-scale temperature control.Additionally, they recommend using a mass flow control (MFC) valve to prevent backflow into
the pipeline. In summary, the information we obtained from Scigenics was instrumental in helping us design capture systems and improve our understanding of the flow conditions in our system.
Integration :
We utilized a compressor to feed gas into the reactor and implemented a coiled ice bath for laboratory-scale temperature control. Additionally, in our final capture system design, we incorporated a mass flow control (MFC)
valve to prevent backflow into the pipeline..
Team REC had an insightful interaction with Dr. K L Vincent Joseph, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rajalakshmi Engineering College. The input from Dr. K L Vincent Joseph during the integrated human practice session significantly
influenced our project's development. Dr. Joseph's expertise in exhaust gas emissions and separation techniques shed light on various aspects of our project. He questioned the feasibility of the absorption method in small-scale setups and suggested
considering different types of columns for CO2 absorption. His insights into the challenges of modifying industrial exhaust setups and the importance of membrane-based separation techniques were invaluable. Furthermore, Dr. Vincent
Joseph emphasized the importance of concentrating on the bioreactor aspect of the project and using commercially available CO2 for initial experiments. He discouraged the team from spending excessive time on preparing and separating
CO
2 , advising us to establish the project's success first.
His practical advice on temperature control with acetone, purging CO2 into the bioreactor, and conducting tests for CO2 detection in gas mixtures provided
valuable guidance. Dr. Joseph's emphasis on cost-effective solutions and the use of available technologies aligned with our project's goals. His insights helped us refine our approach, focusing on innovation within our project's scope and addressing
iGEM's requirements effectively
Integration :
Upon further research, we adopted the concept of using K2CO3 for carbon dioxide capture. Dr. Vincent Joseph’s guidance on CO2 absorption played a pivotal role in shaping our capture system.
During our integrated human practice session with Dr. J Arun Kumar, his inputs significantly shaped the direction of our project. He stressed the importance of finding a feasible solution to our problem statement, which became a central focus for our
team. Dr. Arun Kumar's suggestion to consider waste from the maritime industry as a potential feed for our reactor opened up new possibilities for sustainability and resource utilization. His analogy to carbon emission audits in industries prompted
us to conduct our own carbon emission audit, including vehicle usage and college emissions. Furthermore, Dr. Arun Kumar encouraged us to collect all possible questions related to our project and develop comprehensive answers, ensuring we were
well-prepared for inquiries.
He emphasized the need to "speak with numbers," highlighting the importance of statistical data in conveying the significance of our project, especially in terms of CO2 emissions. Lastly, his
reference to artificial trees and their CO2 absorption provided inspiration for our algal bioreactor, reinforcing our mission to capture and reduce CO2 emissions. Overall, Dr. Arun Kumar's expert guidance helped us refine
our project's focus, enhance its environmental impact, and strengthen our ability to communicate its importance effectively.
Integration :
Following his advice, we gained valuable insights into different CO2 absorption systems. This expanded our awareness of existing solutions in the market and facilitated the design of a real-time, effective
solution.
During our recent meeting with Preethi Dunga, we had the opportunity to present our project and solicit her valuable insights on the mathematical modeling we intend to employ. After a comprehensive explanation of our project's goals and objectives, Preethi
actively engaged in a discussion that proved immensely beneficial. Preethi provided invaluable inputs regarding the flow of the mathematical model, suggesting various approaches we could explore to improve its efficacy. Her expertise in mathematical
modeling became evident as she outlined alternative methods and highlighted potential pitfalls to avoid. Her inputs extended beyond the technical aspect and delved into practical considerations that could streamline our project's execution. Furthermore,
Preethi's innovative thinking shone through as she introduced new ideas and perspectives on how to approach the model, adding a layer of creativity to our project that we hadn't previously considered.
Her inputs were not only constructive
but also inspiring, pushing us to think beyond the conventional boundaries. In summary, our meeting with Preethi Dunga was highly productive and enlightening. Her guidance has not only enriched our understanding of mathematical modeling but has
also injected fresh ideas and enthusiasm into our project.
Integration:
We implemented her insights on the mathematical modeling of our enzyme kinetic system.
Upon heeding the councel of experts in microbiology department, we embarked on a visit to the National Centre for Marine Cyanobacteria at Bharathidasan University in Thiruchirapalli.The professor recommended the utilization of conical flasks for the
cultivation of cyanobacteria, with a specific emphasis on Erlenmeyer or halfkins flasks. Furthermore, it was noted that these cyanobacteria can be rendered competent for experiments involving calcium chloride. The cultivation process involving
an electrophoreactor was discussed, highlighting the optimization of plant cell conditions, albeit with some concerns regarding plasmid stability, which may potentially lead to curing. Fortunately, cyanobacteria were deemed to be relatively straightforward
to cultivate, with minimal contamination risks.
Subculturing routines were established, conducted at 25-day intervals, with purification procedures involving streaking, and the inoculum size was determined based on chlorophyll content. The
professor also underscored the significance of doubling time, and from a cost-effective perspective, cyanobacteria were favored. Additionally, storage methods in dry form were described, encompassing centrifugation and shade drying, facilitating
rapid regrowth within a span of 25 days. Their support was instrumental in our research efforts, and the guidance provided by the professor at BDU proved to be immensely valuable.
Integration :
We attempted to culture cyanobacteria based on the professor's inputs. However, we later withdrew this idea due to the extended doubling time of cyanobacteria and the necessity for precise dark and light cycles. This
decision led us to continue our work with E. coli.
Dr. Thooyavan, the co-founder of Transcience Innovative Technologies, provided invaluable guidance when we approached him for advice on utilizing Cyanobacteria in our project. He emphasized the significance of the circadian clock in Cyanobacteria and
how darkness plays a critical role in controlling their natural competence.Additionally, he mentioned the use of artificial salt water media as a suitable culture medium for Cyanobacteria. Dr. Thooyavan stressed the need for precise environmental
control to facilitate their growth.
He also recommended the use of artificial saltwater media as a suitable culture medium for Cyanobacteria. Additionally, Dr. Thooyavan highlighted the challenges associated with identifying competent
cells in Cyanobacteria and the complexities involved in the transformation process, underscoring the difficulties of working with these microorganisms.He shed light on the significant challenges associated with the economic scaling-up of Cyanobacteria-based
biofuel production. These insights from Dr. Thooyavan prompted us to reevaluate our choice of organisms for our project. We attempted to incorporate the insights provided by both BDU and Dr.Thooyavan while working with cyanobacteria. Given the
complexities and challenges associated with working with Cyanobacteria, particularly within our specific context, we ultimately decided to continue our research using E. coli, a more manageable and suitable option.
Integration :
Based on his advice and his experience working with cyanobacteria, we concluded that E. coli would be a more reliable choice for our integrated system than cyanobacteria.