As biology and medical students, our primary objective is to discover effective methods to promote and maintain people's well-being. Commonly, diseases caused by microorganisms pose a significant challenge, especially in light of the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria. Hence, it has become imperative for scientists to seek innovative approaches for combating diseases caused by these microorganisms.

In our microbiology class, we delved into the fascinating world of biofilms, intricate structures that form dense networks enveloping bacterial surfaces and effectively block the entry of antibiotics, resulting in highly resilient bacterial communities. Furthermore, we learned about the capacity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a well-known opportunistic pathogen, to attach to the human gut via biofilms and subsequently infect vulnerable patients. After extensive research through academic journals and numerous discussions with our teacher and fellow group members, we made the critical decision to develop a novel drug with the specific purpose of eradicating P. aeruginosa biofilms. Our approach involves using E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to detect the presence of P. aeruginosa in its vicinity and subsequently release target proteins HMGB1 and PslG.

In the process of our iGEM project, we realized that there were still some deficiencies in the design process of the experiment with the continuous deepening of the experiment. There were also some imperfections in the use of the engineered bacteria we selected. Therefore, our team was looking forward to fully referring to the opinions of authoritative experts in the field, explaining to them the background of our project and the current progress, in order to obtain revised opinions for carrying out further experiments.

In the process of our iGEM project, we realized that there were still some deficiencies in the design process of the experiment with the continuous deepening of the experiment. There were also some imperfections in the use of the engineered bacteria we selected. Therefore, our team was looking forward to fully referring to the opinions of authoritative experts in the field, explaining to them the background of our project and the current progress, in order to obtain revised opinions for carrying out further experiments.

In addition, we hope to visit and learn from relevant biotechnology companies, such as BGI (Human gut microbiome Genome Research Project), and other biofilm related biotechnology companies located in Guangzhou, etc. After a detailed discussion with our instructor, we planned to mainly communicate with the professors and scholars.

Dr. Wei Huang is currently the director of Nucleic acid Detection Laboratory of Shenzhen People's Hospital, the deputy director of Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Severe Infection Prevention and Control, and the person in charge of Bacteria and Drug Resistance Monitoring Laboratory of Shenzhen People's Hospital. Our team members arrived at Shenzhen People's Hospital and had a face-to-face conversation with Wei Huang and members of his research group. Our team leader explained to him the research background of our project, research progress and future research transformation.

Dr. Huang spoke highly of our research, and gave suggestions and schemes in the drawing of experimental results, the specific design of experimental branches, and the selection of experimental routes. He gave us many constructive opinions and suggestions. In terms of the experimental route, he suggested that we pay attention to the linker and promoters we used in the original experiments. In terms of our academic figures, he suggested us to use uniform standards in the drawing process to ensure consistency and legibility of each figure. Even in the terms of slides design, he gave some suggestions about making a more fluid way of structuring and storytelling.

The target population for our research and development efforts is a group of individuals facing unique challenges in their battle against infections. We direct our focus toward those suffering from infections caused by P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa biofilms are renowned for their resilience to conventional antibiotics, making them a formidable adversary in healthcare settings. In particular, patients with cystic fibrosis, already dealing with the burdens of their condition, are at increased risk due to recurrent P. aeruginosa infections. Additionally, individuals with chronic wounds and those undergoing invasive medical procedures are susceptible to these biofilm-related infections, which can lead to prolonged suffering and complications.

Our research endeavors to improve the lives of these vulnerable populations by addressing the unique challenges posed by endeavors biofilms. By focusing on this target group, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the fight against these stubborn infections, offering hope and relief to those who need it most.

In general, our group has made significant contributions to the world in two key areas: education and the medicinal aspects of our project. We firmly believe that our innovative educational tools and outreach initiatives possess the power to foster meaningful two-way dialogues with new communities. These dialogues revolve around discussions about public values and the underlying science of synthetic biology. We have effectively propagated the principles of our project and have played a vital role in popularizing knowledge about synthetic biology through various popular platforms in China, including the creation of WeChat official accounts, Bilibili accounts, and the posting of science popularization videos. Additionally, we've established our presence on Dingxiangyuan's social media, and we've actively delivered lectures in schools. Furthermore, our collaboration with other teams has successfully drawn attention to the importance of individual health and raised awareness about diseases caused by microorganisms. With thousands of views on both our WeChat posts and Bilibili videos, we have compelling evidence to suggest that an ever-increasing number of people have been influenced by our project and are becoming more conscious of their own health and microorganism-related concerns.

Seeing the enthusiasm and curiosity exhibited by students during our engaging science lectures, we are firmly convinced that our educational contributions are breaking down barriers and demystifying this field. We simplify complex ideas, making them more accessible to a broader audience, and this is paving the way for a more informed and engaged community.

For the inherent medical significance of our project, as previously mentioned, we firmly believe that it holds the potential to instill hope in individuals afflicted by diseases brought about by microorganisms. Moreover, our project stands poised to offer a viable solution to the quandary of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While our current project is primarily centered on the eradication of the biofilm associated with P. aeruginosa, we remain confident that our insights can serve as inspiration for future endeavors targeting other microorganisms. Moreover, our project will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise from fields such as molecular biology, drug development, bioengineering, and clinical medicine. We firmly believe that, through collective effort, we can continually refine our methods and enhance treatment efficacy. We will persevere to ensure that our project has a profound and positive impact on both the lives of patients and the medical community.

In conclusion, our project is not just about addressing a specific ailment; it is about improving the future of the entire healthcare sector. We have unwavering faith in its potential and look forward to making further progress in this mission.

Leveraging the cutting-edge field of synthetic biology, we possess the capacity to meticulously craft biological modules that parallel the modular components prevalent in computer science. This pioneering approach equips scientists of tomorrow with the flexibility to execute personalized adjustments to cater to their unique requirements.

To elucidate, our current project is squarely focused on the biofilm of P. aeruginosa . Looking ahead, as other research teams embark on investigations involving different structures or alternative microorganisms, they can seamlessly tweak the designated "parameters" within the module. This streamlined approach enables them to achieve their research goals with markedly improved efficiency, fostering innovation and progress in the realm of biological science.

As we have mentioned above, by developing innovative strategies to target and disrupt biofilms, we not only improve the treatment of specific infections but also contribute to the larger endeavor of preserving the efficacy of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance knows no borders and affects individuals worldwide. Our project, by pioneering novel approaches to tackle resilient bacterial communities like P. aeruginosa biofilms, offers a glimpse into a future where infections can be more effectively managed, antibiotic use can be optimized, and the specter of resistance can be diminished.

We envision a future where our research will serve as a cornerstone in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, offering new hope to patients and healthcare providers, and contributing to the sustainability of our most precious medical resources.