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Bronze
1. Competition Deliverables
Wiki
Project Promotion Video
Presentation Video
Team Presentation
Judging Form
Judging Session (to be assessed during the Grand Jamboree)
Image source: https://www.joinassembly.com/blog/
Wiki
Project Promotion Video
Presentation Video
Team Presentation
Judging Form
Judging Session (to be assessed during the Grand Jamboree)
we developed three models. Firstly, we constructed a population growth model for P. aeruginosa using growth differential equations to calculate the concentrations of bacteria and viruses over time. This model elucidated the required burst size and infection rate for the virus to rapidly infect the entire colony. Subsequently, we conducted flux balancing analysis on a modified P. aeruginosa metabolic model by incorporating reactions related to the cyclic-di-GMP pathway. Simulation results showed that insertion of yhjH and wspF genes significantly inhibited c-di-GMP levels and biofilm formation. Finally, we constructed another differential equation model to investigate the impact of insertion of aiiiA and ytnP genes on quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa . By calculating critical points of the equations, our experiment demonstrated that the insertion of these genes significantly increased the activation threshold of quorum sensing and decreased its releasing threshold. Overall, our models support the notion that the insertion of our selected genes significantly impairs biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa , suggesting that mild bacteriophage therapy may serve as an effective treatment method.
Our ultimate goal is to educate the general public about our projects such as awareness and protection, such as antibiotic resistance and synthetic biology, including elementary and secondary school students, researchers and interested adults. We take a variety of different forms, such as holding exhibitions, holding lectures, holding online communication meetings, making games and so on. In the process of communicating with them, we inspire and influence each other. We hope to make our own contribution to the field of synthetic biology and attract more people to join us and work with us to solve the problems of our lives in a biological way.
Safety during experiments and competitions is of particular concern to us. Before the project begins, we conduct extensive and thorough demonstrations to determine the security implications of our efforts. Our initial investigation delved into the potential impact of temperate phage therapy on human health. Through an exhaustive review of academic articles, coupled with wise advice from senior academics, we have reached a consensus: phage therapy is highly specific and significantly circumvents the dilemma of antibiotic resistance. In the course of the experiment, we also tried to reduce safety risks. To improve safety, we avoided in vivo experiments, choosing instead to conduct controlled explorations using only Escherichia coli (DH5α) at the engineering stage and using Pseudomonas aeruginosa when validating our conceptual framework. The use of phage pf4 and its specificity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and laboratory infection. At the same time, before entering the experimental field, each team member receives comprehensive training to equip them with the skills needed in the laboratory. A designated safety officer accompanied us during all experiments, adding extra security vigilance. We also produced a special educational video to further train our members and ensure the safety of the whole process.
On November 5th, the 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) Global Finals officially came to an end at the Versailles Exhibition Hall in Paris, France. The participation project of SUSTech-MED in the iGEM competition team at Southern University of Science and Technology, Engineering Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous phases for biofilm targeted therapy, won a gold medal!
The SUSTech-MED team is divided into an experimental group, a human practice group, an art group, and a Wiki group. The team members worked together and successfully completed the experimental, human practice (HP), and results visualization work.
The team gathered 22 participants from different colleges, mainly including students from the 20th and 21st levels of the Medical School, as well as students from other departments such as the School of Health, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and the Department of Mathematics. The participation of students from different majors has made the team more diverse, allowing everyone to fully utilize their professional knowledge and contribute to the competition. During the project design and experimentation process, team members work together to continuously update iterations and optimize experiments and products. The experimental group is responsible for model construction, experimentation, and data analysis; The HP team is responsible for establishing a broad social connection between the project and daily issues through various activities and communication; The art team is responsible for creative design; The Wiki group is responsible for building the product.
In addition, the interaction and feedback gained by the team during their research and communication trips have also added a lot of color to the project. Looking back at the competition process, the team conducted many science popularization activities, conducted sufficient exchanges and interviews with other scholars, and collected valuable suggestions for the experimental design and product iteration of the project.
After several months of failure, reflection, exploration, and perseverance, the team finally welcomed the successful experimental results and project products of each module. Looking back on the past, the SUSTech-MED team has encountered many challenges along the way, such as not making progress in the experiment, hitting the final exam, and having a biweekly deadline in the later stages of the competition. However, even in the most exhausted, difficult, and disoriented times, team members did not give up easily and remained enthusiastic. They actively used their spare time such as weekends and holidays to work and advance in multiple areas such as project design, experimentation, and modeling.
