1. Enhancement of Composite Parts

In our pursuit of improving the degradation efficiency of alginate, our team engineered a composite part named AL2+Bgls. This composite part brings together the unique capabilities of Cellulase Bgls from Bacillus Subtilis and alginase AL2, resulting in a synergistic enhancement of alginate degradation. To streamline the transcription and translation of genes, we precisely integrated the T7 promoter and BBa_B0034 promoter. Our work included the synthesis and cloning of the Bgls gene into the pET23b vector, leading to a pivotal breakthrough where we observed a substantial improvement in degradation capabilities.


This achievement not only provides a practical model for amplifying enzymatic degradation but also serves as a foundational work from which future iGEM teams can draw inspiration for practical applications and further exploration in the field of bioremediation or bioproduct development. By combining cellulase and brown algae enzymes, our system offers an effective method for enhancing biodegradation, providing valuable insights and inspiration for future teams.


2. Development of Environmental Protection Measures

Recognizing the importance of environmental protection, our team developed a new part embedded with SRRz lytic genes, a composite consisting of perforin gene S, phage lysosome gene R, and gene Rz. These genes facilitate controlled bacterial decomposition, thereby reducing environmental contamination. We harnessed the arabinose promoter and BBa_B0015 terminator to ensure efficient expression in E. coli Rosetta.


Through meticulous characterization, we validated the efficacy of the arabinose promoter and SRRz cleavage system in enhancing alginate degradation, demonstrated by a significant reduction in bacterial quantity. This potent system not only suggests a potential approach for future teams to enhance bacterial decomposition efficiency but also contributes to ensuring the safety and sustainability of synthetic biological experiments across diverse environmental contexts.


Conclusion

In conclusion, our research endeavors have focused on converting alginate into oligosaccharides for potential use as fertilizer, laying the foundation for future teams to build upon. We believe that our framework provides a solid basis for the development of environmentally friendly agricultural products and the enhancement of sustainable food security. By sharing our findings and methodologies, we aim to empower future iGEM teams to further explore and optimize enzymatic degradation processes, extending the reach and impact of biotechnological interventions in agriculture and beyond. Our contributions in both alginate degradation enhancement and environmental protection measures are poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of synthetic biology and environmental sustainability.